Guatemala imposes state of siege in mining area

Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei Falla imposed a state of siege in a key mining area, citing concerns over activities of armed groups.

The state of siege covers five municipalities including El Estor in Izabal department, where Solway Investment Group’s Fénix nickel mine is located.

The move follows a series of violent acts and attacks on security forces by residents and armed groups, possible at the instigation of organized criminal groups, according to the text of a filing on the official gazette website.

No further details of the incidents were given.

The state of siege will remain in place for 30 days, according to the filing.

Local indigenous community leader Daniel Pascual told AFP that the move was in response to local opposition to the Fénix mine, hydroelectric plants and African palm plantations, rather than the actions of criminal groups.

The Fénix mine has been suspended due to a ruling by the constitutional court, which ordered a consultation with indigenous communities for its operating license to be restored.