State Department Has Report on Chinese Mining Concessions in its Hands
A report delivered to the US State Department reveals that Chinese companies control mining concessions covering 8.5% of Nicaragua's territory, while a law firm linked to the regime coordinates these operations.
TL;DR
- Chinese companies now control 71 mining concessions in Nicaragua, totaling over 1 million hectares (8.5% of the national territory).
- The law firm Blue Owl Attorneys and Counselors, with lawyers linked to the Sandinista regime, facilitates legal transactions for these Chinese mining companies.
- Gold mined by companies with questionable concessions, such as Nicaragua XinXin Lince Minería Group, is being exported to the United States.
- Legal reforms under the current regime have facilitated the expansion of Chinese companies by altering environmental study requirements and centralizing control.
- Concessions are located in protected areas and indigenous territories without prior consultation, raising environmental and social concerns.
- The expansion of Chinese capital has displaced companies from Canada, Britain, and Colombia.
- The report was presented to diplomats and US Senate advisors to raise awareness about the origin of gold leaving the region.