1 June 2006
WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN TO OPPOSE CHILEAN MINING DEVELOPMENT
A further example of the potential of grassroots 'people power' is provided by the global campaign to help to preserve the way of life and precious environment in Valle de San Felix, Chile. Here the purest water in Chile runs from two rivers, fed by two glaciers. Indigenous farmers are dependant on this water.
However under the glaciers a huge deposit of gold, silver and other minerals has been found. To mine these, it will be necessary to destroy the glaciers.
The project is called PASCUA LAMA. The company is called Barrick Gold. (Barrick Gold is a multi-national company also mining in several Australian locations at the moment!)
The Chilean Government has approved the project to start in 2006 but legal action by farmers have delayed its commencement.
According to opponents of the project, destruction of the glaciers will not just destroy the source of especially pure water, but will permanently contaminate the rivers so they will never again be fit for human or animal consumption because of the use of cyanide and sulphuric acid in the extraction process.
Company shareholders would appear to be the only ones to benefit from the project.
An online petition in relation to this issue can be signed here
However under the glaciers a huge deposit of gold, silver and other minerals has been found. To mine these, it will be necessary to destroy the glaciers.
The project is called PASCUA LAMA. The company is called Barrick Gold. (Barrick Gold is a multi-national company also mining in several Australian locations at the moment!)
The Chilean Government has approved the project to start in 2006 but legal action by farmers have delayed its commencement.
According to opponents of the project, destruction of the glaciers will not just destroy the source of especially pure water, but will permanently contaminate the rivers so they will never again be fit for human or animal consumption because of the use of cyanide and sulphuric acid in the extraction process.
Company shareholders would appear to be the only ones to benefit from the project.
An online petition in relation to this issue can be signed here
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