Persistent opposition to mining projects here has forced the Guatemalan government to declare a moratorium on metal-extraction licenses and adopt—at least temporarily—a go-slow approach in its drive to build a modern mining industry. The moratorium, announced in late January, prevents any of the 100 exploration contracts signed so far from being converted into mineral-extraction contracts. If left in place for long, it could be a major setback for the government’s plans to make Guatemala a magnet for foreign metals-mining investment. “We may not be institutionally prepared today to face an all-out opening of mining licenses,” says Guatemalan Vice President Eduardo Stein. “We need to catch our breath to see what we are up against...We may be facing... [Log in to read more]
