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13 October 2010 | |

Fasting against Mining

Costa Rica: Activists demand repeal of decree in favor of Crucitas

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Environmentalists member of Coordinadora Ni una Sola Mina (CNSUM) continue fasting outside the Presidential Building in Costa Rica in protest to a decree passed by the previous administration led by Oscar Arias. The decree was called “Executivee Decree number 34.801 – MINAET”, and declares the Crucitas mining project (Canada), of Public Interest and National Convenience.

The demonstrators are asking current president, Laura Chinchilla, to repeal this decree and ban mining operations in an area of environmental fragility, as the various studies by environmentalists and universities show.

According to Victor Rojas, member of the Coordination, the measure responds to the lack of action by the President, who has not expressed her opinions. Chinchilla is waiting the resolution of an Administrative Trial against the Costa Rican government and the mining company. She continues in silence despite the protests, among them two marches through 170 kilometers each carried out in July and in August. The activists demanded the repeal of the decree that allows open-pit mining in a place where land-use change is prohibited due to the presence of endangered species such as the great green macaw and the mountain almond.

Open-pit mining could also pollute water sources belonging to the surrounding communities and could pollute San Juan River with heavy metals and cyanide, which could have consequences for the Lake Nicaragua.

According to Sara Obando, despite the measure is a peaceful action, she has been pressured by police officers who confiscated their tents several times. However, the activist says they will continue there until they receive an answer from the President.

(CC) 2010 Real World Radio

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