A Canadian mining company intends to sue El Salvador's government for several hundred million dollars if it is not granted permission to open a widely unpopular gold and silver mine that scientists warn would have devastating effects on local water supplies. Pacific Rim Mining Corp., using its Nevada-based subsidiary Pac Rim Cayman LLC, filed a Notice of Intent on Dec. 9 through provisions in the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)..."We reject Pacific Rim's claims. Giving over [exploitation] permission would be a death sentence from the country and the arbitration can't be accepted..." the National Table Against Metallic Mining, and umbrella group of social movements and NGO's, [said]. The company and government have 90 days to settle the dispute before the case goes before an arbitration tribunal...Pacific Mining CEO Tom Shrake dismisses concerns of long-term environmental damage as "preposterous."...[also refers to Metalclad Co. (part of Entrx)]