On Dec. 22, 2011, the Rio Negro legislature passed a bill repealing Law 3981, enacted in 2005, which prohibited use of cyanide and/or mercury in the extraction, exploitation and/or industrialization of metal ores with the purpose of stimulating the growth of mining in the province.
However, environmental, indigenous, unions, political groups and local NGOs are demanding the re-enactment of the law.
Law 4738, which was originally proposed by the late Rio Negro Governor, Carlos Soria, states minerals that constitute a social good should be used to obtain benefits that create a better quality of life for communities. It also stresses the method of minerals extraction ensures environmental protection as well the life and safety of people living in the area of the mine.
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