“Chinese create sixth mining company in Nicaragua, transferring over 49,000 hectares among themselves”, 3 September 2025.

Chinese mining investment in Nicaragua continues to expand with the endorsement of the Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo regime.

The company Waslala Mine Sociedad Anónima has become the sixth Chinese-owned firm to operate in the country.

According to Ministerial Agreement No-061-SBT-M-058-2025, published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday, 3 September, it was granted permission to operate in 49,950 hectares spread across three municipalities in the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines approved the full transfer of mineral exploitation rights, previously held by the company Zhong Fu Development Sociedad Anónima, to Waslala Mine S.A. Both companies have strong Chinese business links and are registered in Managua...

This increase in Chinese mining companies under the Ortega-Murillo administration has raised concerns among environmental organisations, which have denounced that uncontrolled exploitation is deepening environmental damage in the region.

The lack of transparency in the operations of these companies fuels suspicions about a model that prioritises the economic interests of the dictatorship and its foreign allies over the well-being of the communities living in these areas.

In Nicaragua, other mining companies continue to hold significant concessions...

...Among the main firms is Zhong Fu Development, S.A...

Thomas Metal S.A. controls seven lots... Brother Metal S.A. manages six lots...

Linze Excelente Minería Sociedad Anónima holds two lots... and now the newly created Waslala Mine Sociedad Anónima will operate one lot...

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre sought a valid email address for Waslala Mine Sociedad Anónima; however, none was found.