Neither gold nor silver. Mining kills.
Mexico–We, the municipal and agrarian authorities of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, express our absolute rejection of any mining project in the region. For 15 years, we have witnessed the social, environmental and political impacts in the region from the “San José” mining project promoted by the Cuzcatlán mining company, a subsidiary of the Canadian Fortuna Silver Mines.
Communities of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca held a Day of Rebellion against Mining on July 22, 2024. This sign says: “As free and sovereign peoples, we say NO TO MINING!” Photo: Diana Manzo for Desinformémonos. Free reproduction according to the policy of the webpage.
United in the No to Mining for a Future for All Front, we decided to defend and protect our territory, since the mining company has been negligent in its fiscal, environmental and social obligations in the region. Despite the determination of our communities, in recent years the company has received a different kind of support from the federal and state governments. . .regarding the spill from the mining company’s tailings dam in 2018. To this date, no authority has taken responsibility for mitigating the impacts of the Cuzcatlán company’s mine on the El Coyote River.
In 2023, the mining company attempted to enter El Llano, Sitio Santiago, damaging the soil and different native species, using heavy machinery without the consent of the community. . .
Our greatest concern is on our homes. They are very close to where Cuzcatlán intends to activate the Monte Albán mine. Just as what happened with the San José mining project—where neighboring communities now face a serious water crisis—they intend to reactivate the mining project, threatening our vital water supply. El Llano has only one well that supplies water to the community.
We, the No to Mining for a Future for All Front, declare the following: On the state day of rebellion against mining, we denounce the illegal and irresponsible actions of the Cuzcatlán mining company in the Valles Centrales region. We will not allow the installation of any more mining projects in the region.
To the federal and state governments: respect the decision of El Llano, Sitio Santiago: we do not want insecurity, repression, and contamination in our territory.
To the First District Court of Oaxaca: guarantee the territorial rights of the communities of Valles Centrales, who turn to the justice system to assert our rights; cancellation of the mining concessions granted by the federal government without our consent.
To the public: spread the voice of the affected communities of Valles Centrales and join us on this day of rebellion against mining.
Neither gold nor silver, mining kills!
No to Mining for a Future for All: autoridades agrarias y municipales de: Monte del Toro, San Matías Chilazoa, San Martín de los Cansecos, Los Ocotes, El Vergel, Cerro de las Huertas, Coatecas Altas, San Nicolás Yaxe, El Llano Sitio Santiago, San Dionisio Ocotepec
Translated from Desinformémonos