Guatemala

Mining has been an important economic activity in Guatemala for many centuries. The country's rich mineral resources were first exploited by the Maya civilization, who extracted gold, silver, copper, jade, and other precious stones by hand from surface and shallow underground deposits. During the colonial period, the Spanish introduced modern mining techniques and established large-scale operations, particularly in the western highlands where rich veins of silver and lead were discovered. This led to a long tradition of foreign-owned mining companies dominating the sector, with many of them causing significant environmental damage and social unrest among local communities.

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In recent decades, Guatemala's mining industry has been marked by conflicts between multinational corporations and indigenous communities, who have accused these companies of violating their rights and destroying their lands. In 2013, the Guatemalan government suspended all mining licenses, citing concerns about the negative impact of mining on the environment and human rights, as well as corruption in the sector. While some companies have challenged this decision and continue to operate, others have shifted their focus to exploration and development of alternative energy sources. Despite its history of mining, Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in the region, and there is ongoing debate over the role mining should play in its economic development.