After three days of blockages in a road section in Izabal, From June 16 to 18, and several hours of dialogue between authorities and community leaders on Wednesday, various decisions were made.
The settlers oppose several mining projects, so they kept blocked the passage for three days at kilometer 279.5 of the CA-13 route, Aldea San Antonio Sejá, Livingston, Izabal.
The measures of fact extended to the commercial area. On Wednesday, June 18, local media reported that groups of protesters moved through the streets of the municipality to force the closure of business as a protest measure. According to videos disseminated from Río Dulce, several businesses were closed, and a group of protesters, some wearing bates, verified that merchants closed their premises.
The community expressed its discomfort because the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) did not arrive on Monday at a dialogue table. Some protesters said that, therefore, they decided to take de facto measures, while others complained not to be able to open their businesses.
At a meeting held in the afternoon at the headquarters of the Subalcaldía de Río Dulce, the MARN promised to deliver, in six weeks (on July 30), the report of the inspections made to 10 mining projects located in the Livingston forest area. According to the Ministry, these projects were granted an environmental license during 2023, when the previous administration was still exercised.
Community leaders requested that the MARN authorities arrive that day to Río Dulce to present the report. They indicated that they could lift the block this Wednesday, but until hours at night it continued. In that session, they expressed that they will continue to oppose mining, and that, if the resolution is not favorable, they will make permanent manifestations from the date of delivery of said report.
The authorities reported that they will deliver the report, which may be consulted in the Mayor’s Office and in the Marn central offices. On their presence in Río Dulce, on July 30, they explained that they will analyze the possibility if their security is guaranteed.
During the meeting, The atmosphere became tense. The community asked to know the content of the resolutions of the inspections, but they were explained that the Deputy Minister of Environment, José Rodrigo Rodas, who participated in the meeting by the MARN, could not issue opinions or anticipate them, since it could affect the process. The authorities, on the other hand, requested the commitment to unlock the road. The community expressed that they could do so to respect due process, while representatives of the Municipal Corporation offered to work in talking with the communities to achieve unlocking. After about three and a half hours of meeting, an act was signed. Although the blockade still continued at night.
Inspection
The MARN reported on June 16, in a statement, that in April officials of that institution attended a summons with Izabal district deputies to listen to representatives from 53 communities in Livingston, concerned about the environmental impact of mining activity in the Sierra Santa Cruz, water source for the area. The Ministry indicated that it promised to inspect the 10 mining projects, of which two are exploitation and eight exploration. These received an environmental license in 2023, but they still have no operation license from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM).
The MARN explained that the inspections concluded on May 15 and that on June 16 sent the reports to all interested parties, while the vice ministry is analyzing them findings.
At night, the MARN issued a newsletter indicating that at the meeting this Wednesday the institution returned to inform the communities that, as a result of the findings of the environmental inspections carried out, the administrative process continues its course in strict compliance with the environmental regulations, and which requires exhausting all the steps established by law. He added that for the sake of transparency, the Ministry promised with the communities to inform the results of the administrative process on July 30.
Project status
According to the MEM, the 10 projects are: Bongo, Santa Anita, Santa Anita II, Santa Anita III, Santa Cruz Caledonia, Tzultaka, Tzultaka II, Tzultaka III, Tzultaka IV and Coatepeque I. Of these, five are requested by Río Nickel, SA, and one by Nichromet Guatemala (also from Río Nickel, SA as indicated in the answers). These companies have other requests in process, but do not operate, the Ministry of Energy added. Four other projects are from Atlantic productions, SA, they indicated.
Julio Luna, MEMORY director of the MEM, explained that the work plan and the polygon where the activity will take place was already approved. The MARN granted environmental licenses in 2023. Currently, the MEM continues with the review process through the Socio -environmental Management Unit (UGSA) and subsequently consult the indigenous peoples, according to Convention 169 of the ILO.
Of the 10 requests, eight are exploration and two of exploitation, but the MEM has not granted mining licenseshe explained. Luna warned that there can be no extraction of material without a license because it would constitute illegal exploitation.
The MEM has not received information about inspections from MARN. According to Luna, the MEM was invited to a dialogue table, but did not attend because I expected Marn’s response, which analyzes environmental licenses for possible inconsistencies and considers revoking them.
Until Wednesday, Marn has not revoked licenses. If it does, the MEM will be informed, the processes will be stopped and the applications will be canceled. Luna indicated that an environment is expected to implement a technical table.
Regarding the demonstrations, Luna regretted the misinformation about the possible cancellation of mining licenses, since none has been granted and all are in process.
Both ministries face pressure from possible permits and new protests if there are no favorable results for community.
Other impacts
The Guatemalan Chamber of Industry rejected the blockages, which affect the industry, education, trade and citizens. He pointed out that these have an impact on the costs of the production chain and make the products of the basic basket more expensive.
The Chamber of Commerce indicated that blockages interrupt logistics, In this case in the northeastern corridor, key to the connection with the cross -section of the North and Petén.
Specific impacts:
- Thousands of cargo trucks arrested, with rows of up to 5 kilometers.
- Risk of shortage of food and basic supplies in rural communities.
- Economic losses due to breeding deliveries, cancellations and impaired perishable products.
Most affected products:
- Perishable foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish).
- Food and basic products.
- Construction materials, agricultural supplies and general consumer goods.
Most affected businesses:
- Stores and small shops in Río Dulce and Livingston.
- Markets and grocery stores, with shortage and price increase.
- Transport and Logistics Companies.
- Tourism and associated services (hotels, restaurants, pharmacies).
Mining sector
The Natural Resources and Canteras Guild (Grenat) replied that Río Nickel, is a social company of said organization, but that it does not currently operate and is permissible. The union asked for respect for the rights of people and governance, and requested that the real cause of the conflict in the area be investigated and that human rights and national legislation be respected.
𝐄𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚: 🚨 pic.twitter.com/yvmeubjpld
– Environment and Natural Resources Ministry (@Marnguate) June 19, 2025
In context
The blockade began on June 16, in rejection of mining projects in Livingston. Local media showed images of long rows of heavy transport. Protesters placed awnings and trunks to prevent the passage and demanded the cancellation of mining licenses.
Shops were also closed. In videos, protesters are observed, some with bats, verifying closures. Hotels, restaurants and pharmacies operate normally.
Merchants claim that the situation is tense and that some businesses are closed since Monday 16. They cannot stock up on food due to the blockade.
Some protesters indicated that they seek dialogue with the MARN to protect water births in the Sierra Santa Cruz. They warned that, if not heard, they could expand the measures to other road sections.