Gold prices are quickly approaching an all-time high which has inspired a new boom in prospecting around Central and South America. The Honduras News Blog asks if gold mines are good or bad for Honduras, while the Guatemala Solidarity Network continues coverage on the Marlin mine in San Marcos, Guatemala, encouraging readers to sign a petition against it. Cyril Mychalejko writes from Junin, Ecuador where a movement has formed to protest a proposed copper mine. And finally, Tim Muth, offers his views on gold mining in El Salvador, arguing that “environmental costs must be accounted for and mitigated.”