Costa Rican Geologists Call for Referendum on Crucitas Gold Mining

Costa Rica’s professional association of geologists is calling for a referendum on the future of gold mining in Crucitas, arguing that lawmakers have failed to resolve the illegal extraction and environmental damage affecting the northern community. The Colegio de Geólogos de Costa Rica wants voters to decide how Costa Rica should handle the area’s mineral resources. Its call comes as lawmakers debate a proposal introduced by the Rodrigo Chaves administration to allow regulated open-pit metal mining in Cutris, the San Carlos district that includes Crucitas. The association says it has warned about conditions in Crucitas for more than 15 years. It argues that continued delays allow illegal gold extraction, pollution and organized crime to persist while nearby communities wait for a lasting solution. Its president, Néstor Chamorro Aravena, said the response must address the area’s environmental, social and economic problems. In comments published September 4, he argued that a public vote would give the country a decision on whether to extract the gold, even if voters ultimately reject mining. The association also said it would support repealing Law 8904, which amended the Mining Code to declare Costa Rica free of open-pit metal mining. That position goes further than the bill’s proposed exception for Cutris, which would leave the prohibition in place elsewhere in the country. Land within the State’s Natural Heritage would remain excluded from mining under the proposal. The bill would have the Environment and Energy Ministry, through its Directorate of Geology and Mines, screen interested companies before holding a mining auction. Bidders would have to meet technical, legal, environmental and financial requirements, with an advantage given to the offer promising the highest royalty payment. Royalties would start at 5% of annual gross sales. Of those payments, 72% would go to the national treasury, 25% to the Municipality of San Carlos and 3% to local development associations. The proposal also requires an assessment of existing environmental conditions before mining rights are awarded, along with environmental approval for each project. The referendum remains a proposal. The association’s endorsement does not establish a voting date or authorize mining. Its call explicitly places any public consultation within Costa Rica’s constitutional and legal framework.