Mining outlook.
The administration of President Jimmy Morales has resisted renewed calls to resurrect a former moratorium on mining activity. However, efforts to expand the sector have still suffered numerous setbacks in the form of protests, adverse court decisions and ongoing investigations into potential links between projects and the corrupt administration of former President Otto Perez Molina (2012-15).
Weak structures for monitoring revenues will hinder progress towards membership of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
Potential probes into operations that received mining licences under Perez Molina may expose some firms to sanctions and reputational risk.
Popular opposition to some projects could lead the government to revisit proposals to increase royalty charges for firms in the sector.
