American Expatriate Costa Rica

English-language news and information on Costa Rica

  • Home
  • Original Articles
  • News Reports
  • Book Reviews

Government denies cover-up of mercury contamination in Cutris

December 20, 2018 by Staff News Writer

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.

crhoy.com

Related articles:

  1. Gold miners claim to have found gold nuggets worth more than ¢1 million in Crucitas
  2. Miners in Abangares must stop using mercury and cyanide
  3. Authorities arrested 4 more suspects of extracting gold
  4. Study found high levels of mercury in shark meat sold in markets
  5. Gold rush in Crucitas
  6. Four people were arrested for illegally seeking gold in Crucitas

Filed Under: News Reports

SIGN UP FOR AMERICAN EXPATRIATE IN COSTA RICA

It's free, we respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Connect with Social Media

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
Follow @expatcostarica

Search Articles and News Reports

Articles by Publication Date

July 2025
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Apr    

News Summary

U.S. President Orders Navy Task Force to Caribbean to Counter Venezuela Threat

Costa Rica Government Silent on Travel Ban with Just 13 Days Left

News Summary

Legislators approve moratorium for registration of shareholders

President confirms gasoline give away for ethanol pilot project

Chinese company sells low cost smart phones in Costa Rica

Search continues for small plane missing in Drake

Farmers will march to the Ministry of Agriculture

IMN warns of dangerous UV radiation this Friday

Copyright © 2010 to 2025 · Link to Legal Notices and Privacy Policy