MARN will file new complaints against mining companies in Izabal for irregularities in projects that could put the water of more than 50 communities at risk
Prensa Libre, by Glenda Burrión, 21 July 2025
(Translation by Rights Action)
https://www.prensalibre.com/economia/marn-presentara-nuevas-denuncias-contra-empresas-mineras-en-izabal-por-irregularidades-ambientales/
On July 21, 2025, the Minister of Environment, Patricia Orantes, indicated that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) will file new criminal complaints against mining companies before the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) for irregularities detected in the Santa Anita and Santa Anita II projects, both in the process of obtaining mining licenses.
"Every day that passes we find more legal and technical irregularities. This July 21 we will be filing new complaints for these anomalies, but we want to handle the process in a very responsible manner", said Patricia Orantes.
Complaints for illegal explorations
The conflict over the granting of mining licenses in Sierra Santa Cruz, department of Izabal, has escalated in recent weeks, after MARN filed on June 10, 2025 two criminal complaints before the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) against the Santa Anita and Santa Anita II projects, for alleged irregularities detected during an environmental inspection.
The Minister of Environment acknowledged that the communities expressed concerns since April 2025 for the existence of 10 environmental licenses granted in November 2023, during the previous government. She pointed out that MARN is reviewing whether the process was adequate and that on July 30 the resolution of the administrative procedure will be delivered.
"The communities want us to annul the licenses, but we must follow due legal process. We cannot act outside the legal framework," Orantes said in a radio interview in June. She added that the environmental studies submitted by the companies “are neither conclusive nor sufficient” to guarantee the protection of water resources.
According to documents provided by local authorities in Izabal, two trial pits (exploratory excavations in the ground) were detected at the Santa Anita project, while four more were located at Santa Anita II. These activities were reportedly carried out without mining permits, which could constitute an environmental crime.
Both projects are part of the six license applications submitted by the company Río Nickel S. A. [subsidiary of Central America Nickel, of Canada], which is also promoting the Bongo, Santa Anita III, Santa Cruz Caledonia and Coatepeque I projects. The other four projects (Tzultaka I, II, III and IV) belong to Producciones del Atlántico, S.A.
Concern about water
In April and June, communities of Livingston carried out blockades on the CA-13 highway, demanding the cancellation of mining licenses for fear that these would affect water sources, essential for consumption, agriculture and subsistence. One of the most sensitive points, Cerro 1019, located in the Sierra Santa Cruz, has been identified as a strategic point for the supply of drinking water, irrigation and subsistence for at least 54 communities.
According to a technical report by the Authority for the Sustainable Management of the Lake Izabal and Río Dulce Basin (Amasurli), the area is highly biodiverse and was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2009 by the National Council of Protected Areas (Conap). The document warns of possible serious environmental impacts, such as heavy metal contamination, toxic waste, and the drying up of water sources, which could endanger health, agriculture, and wildlife.
Protests and social tension in the region
The conflict has triggered social tension in Izabal. In June, confrontations and one injured person were reported during demonstrations. According to Minister Orantes, there were aggressions against official vehicles, including that of the Vice-Minister of Environment.
Members of the communities Creek Maya, San Juan, Chocón Machacas, Río Dulce and urban neighborhoods of Livingston have expressed their opposition to the licensing process. Community leaders have documented their objections in community minutes, arguing that the process violated their right to free, prior and informed consultation, as established in ILO Convention 169.
Companies assure that they have not started operations
In a telephone interview with Prensa Libre in June, Mark Billings, CEO of Central American Nickel (CAN), the company that owns Rio Nickel S.A., denied having carried out illegal activities. "The projects are in the pipeline. We have not been officially notified of the allegations and we will present the evidence," said Billings.
Regarding the excavations, he explained that they are exploratory procedures that, according to MARN's categorization, belong to category C plus Environmental Management Plan (EMP), corresponding to low impact projects. The two exploitation projects, he added, are classified as category B, since they are formal metallic mining projects.
Billings also stated, on that occasion, that there are historical antecedents of mining in the area, including since the 1960s, when the company INCO operated in the area. Between 2004 and 2014, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) also granted licenses to other companies, which could have left structures such as the trial pits identified in the inspection.
MEM: “No exploration or exploitation licenses have been granted”
For its part, MEM clarified that, to date, it has not granted exploration or mining licenses to any of the companies mentioned. It also explained that the process begins with an environmental license approved by the MARN, followed by a technical review and finally a consultation with indigenous peoples, in accordance with ILO Convention 169.
Due to the fact that the process is still under investigation, MEM reserved the right to issue further statements, but assured that it will provide support in accordance with the law.
[...]
Sierra Santa Cruz: a conflict between development and sustainability
The case puts the use of territory, environmental licensing mechanisms and respect for the collective rights of indigenous peoples at the center of the debate. While the companies assure that they will comply with the requirements and that they can operate in a sustainable manner, the communities claim that mining development in this region would irremediably affect their livelihoods.
In addition, several local organizations have reminded that the Sierra Santa Cruz is a protected area, so any intervention must consider its ecological value and the laws that guarantee its conservation.
Meanwhile, the legal process continues. MARN authorities continue to analyze the files and evidence gathered during the inspections, while the communities demand the total cancellation of the licenses and respect for their right to water, territory, and a healthy environment.
