El Salvador becomes the first country to ban mining of metals for environmental protection

El Salvador became the first country in the world to ban the mining of metals in what campaigners called a landmark move for environmental protection.
The law bans "prospection, exploration, exploitation, extraction or processing of metallic minerals in El Salvador," according to the text published in the official journal.

Some Latin American countries thrive on mineral exports but local communities complain of environmental risks from toxic metals used in the process.
The new law entered into force after being signed by President Salvador Sanchez Ceren.