Community leaders in Catamarca and La Mosquitia raise environmental concerns

In Catamarca, Argentina, socio-environmental collectives from Antofagasta de la Sierra, Tinogasta, and Andalgalá are questioning the impact of transnational mining operations on water resources. During regional basin meetings, representatives expressed concerns that brine extraction and forced evaporation are depleting underground aquifers at rates incompatible with natural recharge. The groups criticized the provincial government for a lack of transparency in water balances and for approving permits without considering the cumulative effects of multiple projects on a single basin. They have called for the suspension of non-binding public hearings and a review of hydrogeological concessions.

In Honduras, the government met with indigenous and Garifuna leaders from La Mosquitia to discuss hydrocarbon exploration in the Caribbean. The meeting focused on ensuring community participation through social, environmental, and cultural impact studies. Leaders emphasized the need for free, prior, and informed consultation before any exploratory drilling begins. Government officials, including the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment, addressed the requirements for mitigation measures and the protection of community rights during the licensing process.