The Minister of Environment and Energy, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, confirmed that he knew about the study of the National University (UNA) on the use of mercury in Crucitas de Cutris in San Carlos, released on Tuesday by the National Liberation Party (PLN).
The authorities took a month analyzing everything that was revealed in that report. Rodriguez indicated that the study was requested in the previous administration. However, it wasn’t published until September 19th. The Minister said they did not want to hide information, as pointed out by green and white legislators the previous day.
Rodríguez said that, possibly, the one who provides the mercury to these illegal miners is the same person that buys the gold. Therefore they will concentrate efforts together with five ministries to face the problem.
The report from UNA highlights the fact that mercury is used to amalgamate the gold they illegally extract from Crucitas. The activity contaminates rivers, basins, aquifers and fish.
Rodriguez recalled that the report shows the high impact of logging and land use. But this could end in a few years with well-directed actions. However, it is clear that mercury is more complicated since it is impossible to extract this metal from where it already is.
The most immediate action is to try to stop these illegal mining activities to lessen the impact of the misuse of mercury,”
said the Minister. The leader said that the government is currently working with Security to deal with this problem.