By LAPress.orgOpen-pit mining and use of toxic chemicals banned in extreme southern region.
Argentina’s provincial government in Tierra del Fuego on Sept. 21 signed into a law a ban on open-pit mining and use of certain toxic chemicals in this southernmost province. Seven other of the country’s 23 provinces — Chubut, Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén, Río Negro, Tucumán and San Luis — already have bans on open-pit mining in place.
The provincial law, which legislators approved in late August, prohibits large-scale open-pit metallic mining exploration, including that for minerals like gold, silver, platinum, copper, iron, lead and aluminum, precious stones, as well as quartz, mica and limestone.
The law is aimed at preventing environmental damage, social and health risks, as well as ensuring the sustainability of water resources, biodiversity and a balanced ecosystem.
Under the new legislation, local communities must be consulted before...Read Full Article
