Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Mining Companies Demand Legal Framework

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

TEGUCIGALPA, Jan 27 2007 (IPS) - Representatives from the mining industry in Honduras are calling for a new legal framework to guarantee greater investment in the sector to prevent collapse. But despite social pressures, the industry recorded rising profits in 2006. On Jan. 22, the mining reps addressed the National Congress, which has delayed approval of reform of the Law on Mining.

Santos Gabino Carvajal, president of the National Association of Miners, told Tierramérica that the lack of regulations has kept investment on hold, “because we lack clear rules for investment, and the accusations that we are environmental predators are not true.”

In 2006, mining exports from Honduras generated 157 million dollars, 49 million more than 2005, “because the international prices were good, but the legal uncertainty could endanger expansion of the industry,” he said.