The law, which also bans the use of cyanide in mining, was a victory of several Costa Rican social groups after 40 years of struggle.

Before the passing of the new law by the Costa Rican Parliament, the
national judiciary had annulled the approval of an environmental impact study on mining project Crucitas (in Cutris de San Carlos town, Alajuela province) due to serious irregularities and a presidential decree that granted the project the status of being for the “public good”.

Real World Radio presents a documentary called “Victory after years of
struggle” based on the testimonies of the people involved in the struggle against mining in Costa Rica and talks about the stages of the strong social work against mining in the country.

Marco Tulio Araya Barboza did the research for the documentary, as well as the script and direction. It highlights the importance of the social struggle against metal mining in Costa Rica, with a regional outlook and the pressure of social movements on the country’s politicians as key factors in the passing of the law last December.