The road block prevents mining trucks that aim to carry out an exploration from accessing the hill. The neighbors camp site is located outside Alto Carrizal, the nearest town at the foot of the hill.

In the past two months the number of residents, tourists and supporters of the cause have spontaneously joined to provide help, bread and encouragement to the activists. Together they are a group of tens and even hundreds of people who peacefully camp there.

In the morning they clean up, cook and prepare materials to disseminate information. In the afternoon they teach different disciplines, they organize talks and workshops and in the evening there is a bonfire and they screen films.

The camp is watched 24 hours a day. The activists take turns to watch it and they, in turn, are being watched by the police. “We will keep this measure until the agreement with Osisko Mining Corporation is terminated”, they claim.

The road block became one of the biggest anti-mining actions this year. It had national repercussions and led to more demonstrations and roadblocks in other parts of the country (some of them were strongly repressed).

Meanwhile, after sending security forces to try to evict the camp, the government of La Rioja said it would momentarily call off the exploration activities and that they would inform the population about the advantages of mining.

However, the neighbors are skeptic since the current governor won the elections under a discourse against mining exploitation, so he is contradicting himself and allying with the mining corporations.

Friends of the Earth Argentina joined the road block and interviewed Ayelen Argañaraz and Carlos Reynoso, of the Asambleas of Chilecito, who told them about the strategies of mining corporations, and the advance of the road block so far. They called a national march against mining on March 1.