Gains for communities defending life and territory as mining takes a hit in Guatemala

This historic decision marks the first time a Canadian court will hear a case against a Canadian company for human rights abuses committed at a foreign mine site. It undoubtedly sets a strong precedent for future cases of abuses committed by North American companies operating abroad. In the words of Murray Klippenstein, lawyer for the 13 plaintiffs; “As a result of this ruling, Canadian mining corporations can no longer hide behind their legal corporate structure to abdicate responsibility for human rights abuses that take place at foreign mines under their control at various locations throughout the world.”[2] Read the full press release here or visit the Choc v. Hudbay website for more information.

On the heels of the effective suspension of Tahoe Resources’ exploitation license for the Escobal silver mine, Canadian mining giant, Goldcorp, which is also a 40% shareholder in Tahoe’s project, announced the indefinite suspension of its Cerro Blanco gold mine located close to the Guatemala, El Salvador border in the department of Jutiapa. Goldcorp contends that the project was put on hold due to falling metal prices, but that the company is not contemplating its permanent closure.[3]

Earlier this year, members of Breaking the Silence, MiningWatch, the Center for International Environmental Law and other North American organizations traveled to Asunción Mitla, the site of the Cerro Blanco mine, as part of a delegation to investigate the impacts of gold mining on water sources in El Salvador. The delegation reported on their visit to Asunción Mita where they heard firsthand from community representatives about nearby hot springs threatening the project and also community concerns related to the possible environmental impacts of the mine, especially on El Salvadoran water sources.

During an August 6 press conference the MadreSelva Collective responded to Goldcorp’s announcement stating that closure of Cerro Blanco was the result of “poor planning since the project’s beginning, the bravado of mining companies, and the negligence, incapacity and corruption of a docile Guatemalan government…”[4] It goes on to point out numerous deficiencies in the environmental impact assessment, including a lack of analysis and oversight by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources of the likely impacts of subterranean water high in temperature and arsenic. MadreSelva joins Guatemalan and Salvadoran communities and organizations in calling for the permanent suspension of the mine that includes a detailed and fully funded closure plan in place to address the outstanding negative environmental impacts of the project.

While we have yet to see the outcome of the forthcoming trials against Hudbay Minerals Inc., the  announcement that the company will stand trial in Canada along with the effective suspension of Tahoe Resources’ Escobal silver mine and Goldcorp’s Cerro Blanco gold mine are huge gains for communities defending their life and territory. Furthermore, it is certain these historic advances will serve as examples for future struggles in defense of life and against the extractive mining industry in Guatemala.

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