Crucitas Mining Referendum Sparks Debate | Costa Rica News

Costa Rica News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 6, 2026 · 2m

Geologists in Costa Rica are demanding a public referendum to decide the future of mining in Crucitas, where illegal operations have devastated the environment and lawmakers have failed to act. As the government considers regulated open-pit mining nearby—including Crucitas—they’re pushing for nationwide debate, even willing to scrap a national ban on such mining. The proposed system would require companies to prove environmental, legal, and financial compliance, with royalties starting at 5% going to national and local coffers. While this is still just a proposal, it underscores a critical…