The Commission ordered Guatemala to demand the suspension of operations of Marlin mine in twenty days. Marlin Mine exploits gold and silver in San Marcos Department.

Maria Isabel Rivera, Director of Communications at the IACHR, said that the precautionary measures established in favor of 18 Man and Sipakense communities affected by the operations of the mining company are: a suspension to all mining operations at Marlin Mine and an implementation of effective measures to prevent environmental pollution.

Other measures are: the promotion of actions to clean up water sources, treatment for health issues caused by mining, ensuring the life and integrity of the population and planning protection measures with the participation of affected peoples and avoiding the deterioration of housing.

According to the Commission´s website, the precautionary measures were established on May 20th, and include Mayan Tres Cruces, Escupijá, Pueblo Viejo, La Estancia, Poj, Sipacapa, Pie de la Cuesta, Cancil, Chual, Quecá, Quequesiguán, San Isidro, Canoj, Ágel, San José Ixcaniché, San José Nueva Esperanza, San Antonio de los Altos, and Siete Platos, in Guatemala.

The IACHR says that the mining concession was granted without consulting, in a prior and informed way, affected communities. Montana started building Marlin Mine I in 2003, and began its gold and silver operations in 2005. Mining exploitation has serious consequences for life, environment and the resources of the affected indigenous people, since Tzala River and its affluents are the only sources of water for them.

Several wells have dried up, and metals present in water as a result of the mining activity have serious negative effects on the health of the community.

The IACHR requested the Guatemalan government to suspend mining operations at Marlin I mine and other activities related to the concession granted to GoldCorp/Montana Exploradora de Guatemala SA, until the Commission adopts a resolution on the contents of the petition by the communities.

PHOTO: http://revista-amauta.org