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San Jose, Costa Rica (AFP / Reuters) - President Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica signed the ban on gold mining projects only just a few hours after he was sworn in on Saturday, his spokesman said.

That decision will have no impact on the country's largest gold mine project, the Crucitas, because mine has a permit from the government, said presidential spokesman Carlos Roverssi told Reuters.

Chinchiila, the first woman to become president of Costa Rica, selected in February and pledged to increase economic growth and investment, but he also came under pressure from environmentalist groups to close the mine.

Costa Rica has few mineral resources and its economy is highly dependent on money from foreign tourists who come to the Central American country to visit the lush forests and beaches of the original.

"Gold mine is not profitable enough compared with the environmental damage sustained," said Roverssi.

Donations metal mines is less than one percent in gross domestic product of Costa Rica.

Construction on the Crucitas, owned by Canadian company Infinito Gold Ltd. remains stalled because the court was discussing the protests of environmental groups which they say threaten the virgin forests and animals such as birds older brother green.

Crucitas, with an initial investment of 66 million dollars, earned about 1.2 million ounces of gold, the company said.