News

Guatemalan communities alarmed by the potential social and environmental impact of a goldmine operation owned by a Canadian company, are asking Canadians to help hold the company accountable for its actions.

 

A Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) staff delegation from Canada spent eight days in Guatemala in early May listening to people in the communities as they struggle to cope with the impact of the giant mining operation.

 

“The mines provide jobs and some economic benefits but we heard many people say the social and environmental costs are too great,” said Esther Epp-Tiessen, a policy analyst for MCC Canada.

 

Together with MCC staff based in Guatemala, Costa Rica and Colombia, the Canadian group travelled to the region of San Marcos in the western highlands of Guatemala. This is where Goldcorp, one of the largest of Canada’s gold mining companies, began operating the Marlin Mine at San Miguel Ixtahuacán in 2005.

 

MCC in Guatemala has stumbled into the issue of advocacy on mining issues inadvertently. It began relief work in San Marcos following Hurricane Stan in 2005. Soon there were requests for help with community development initiatives. With some funding and personnel support from MCC, four communities have embarked on projects such as trout farming, flower production and eco-tourism that provide income for impoverished families.

 

Some of these communities lie within the areas where Goldcorp has received exploration licenses. Given what has happened in San Miguel Ixtahuacán, people fear that their lives could be turned upside down.

 

“If we have a good life here, why would we sell our land and water to a foreign mining company? Why would we allow a foreign company to destroy our mountains?” asked Juan Pablo Morales, a community organizer who works closely with MCC.

 

Goldcorp’s Marlin Mine has been controversial from the start. Delegates heard from a variety of groups that local communities were not adequately consulted on the development of the mine. They fear water is being contaminated and that the presence of the mine has contributed to major conflicts.

 

The Canadian MCC delegation was eager to meet with mine officials and to hear their side of the story while in Guatemala, but their requests for a meeting were denied, said Epp-Tiessen.

 

A local coalition that includes representatives from the Catholic diocese, farmers, and teachers groups would like to see Goldcorp close its mine as soon as possible. A more realistic goal, they concede, is to ensure that Goldcorp does not expand its operations into new communities. The company has received numerous exploration licenses in other parts of San Marcos.

 

Dr. Yuri Melini is director of a Guatemala City-based environmental organization that engages in investigations, education and community support.

 

“When we defend the poor and the environment, we become victims of violence. Because when we challenge the interests of economic powers, those interests respond with violence,” he said.

 

 Melini was himself shot three times in the fall of 2008 after his outspoken advocacy in defence of the indigenous people and their land led to a court victory striking down aspects of Guatemala’s mining law.

 

Despite new threats against his organization, he says, “we will not be silenced.” He told the Canadian delegates: “Your solidarity and your prayers are the best support. They remind us that we are not alone in our work.”