The use of plebiscites has been included in the bill for a new mining law that is expected to be passed by the end of the year in Honduras. If a community is opposed to the establishment of a mining operation, the final decision could be subjected to a vote through a plebiscite, which could also be used to determine the adoption of other types of environmental regulations, said Aldo Santos of the mining promotion office at the Ministry of Environment.

The bill for the new mining law has been approved by consensus in five of the country’s eight regions, and is expected to be approved by the remainder by the end of August, Santos told Tierramérica.

Local or municipal governments will play a leading role under this new legislation, which has been promoted for eight years by civil society organizations, the central government and legislative deputies.