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Peru
Newmont Urged to Condemn Death Threats and Harassment
Thanks for your help
With your help, Newmont Mining Co. received more than 2,000 letters asking it to condemn the intimidation of mining activists and human rights violations at its Yanacocha mine in Cajamarca, Peru.
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Father Marco Arana
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Activists Face Threats
Community members in Cajamarca have strongly opposed Newmonts mining expansion, because they believe it will pollute the environment and local water resources.
But supporters of the community have faced a difficult struggle. Father Marco Arana and Mirtha Vasquez Chuquilin of the environmental group GRUFIDES have faced repression, surveillance and death threats.
Community Thanks No Dirty Gold Activists
Recently, Father Marco sent a message of thanks for your letters and support on the issue. "We are very grateful for the very timely action. It encourages us very much," he wrote.
Newmont Still Needs to Act
Newmont has denied involvement in the harassment or surveillance, but the company has yet to make a public statement formally condemning the harassment and surveillance against Marco and Mirtha specifically.
Mirtha Vasquez Chuquilin |
Meanwhile, tensions in Cajamarca continue to mount. Last month, villagers from the community of Totorcocha entered Newmont/Yanacocha property protesting the company's failure to pay them for work on a water project. They were forcibly evicted by police and private security. Thirteen people were detained and brought to the local police station. Several others were injured.
It's Not Too Late to Take Action
We continue to urge the company to take appropriate action and demonstrate its commitment to human rights. If you haven't yet done so, please act now to tell Newmont to condemn intimidation of community leaders.
In Solidarity,
The No Dirty Gold team
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