Paraguay’s cave research association, Fepae, has called on the country’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development to protect the Risso cave in San Lazaro, Conception, in response to proposals from Grupo Cartes to invest US$180m in a cement plant nearby.

The request comes following the publication of an environmental impact study (EIS) by Sociedad Calera Risso that includes the construction of an electrical substation and 66kV transmission line relating to the plant.