Legislators in El Salvador made history Wednesday, passing a bill to ban all metallic mining activities in the country. passing the bill, El Salvador becomes the first country in the world to enact a ban on metallic mining, according to industry watchdog organization MiningWatch. The results of the much-anticipated vote were unanimous: 69 in favor, none against, and no abstentions. Fifteen of the country’s 84 lawmakers did not show up for the vote. With the exception of a transition period for small-scale artisanal gold miners, the law provides for an immediate, definitive, and permanent ban on all metals mining, including exploration activities. No old permits or license applications will be grandfathered in, according to the succinct 11-article bill. It will take effect one week after its publication in the official government gazette.
— source news.mongabay.com