El Salvador Congress lifts seven-year ban on metals mining in support of president's economic plan

El Salvador's Congress has overturned a seven-year ban on metals mining, a move supported by President Nayib Bukele to stimulate economic growth. The country was the first to implement such a ban in 2017. All 57 of Bukele's allies in the 60-seat legislature voted for the bill. The new law gives the government control over mining activities while prohibiting mercury use and designating some areas as protected reserves. Environmental groups opposed the decision, citing concerns about contamination and its impact on communities. Protests occurred near Congress, with activists arguing that mining is not viable in El Salvador.