In southern Peru, hundreds of people have been protesting at the activities of Xstrata - a multinational mining company - which they say are polluting major rivers and killing animals. Violent clashes with police have led to at least two civilian deaths from tear gas and many more people injured, including police officers.
Xstrata, unsurprisingly, claims its activities are not having a negative impact at all. This may or may not be true, although it seems unlikely given the horrendous environmental impact of similar mines in other places. The fact that the miners are among those protesting also doesn't lend credence to the company's denial.
Regardless of who is primarily to blame for the violence, the answer is not to suppress the protest. The Peruvian Government needs to conduct a full environmental and safety impact survey as a matter of urgency. Expecting vastly profitable international corporations to conduct proper monitoring of themselves is like asking a toddler to guard the cookie jar.
We the undersigned ask that you conduct a full, independent environmental and safety impact survey into the Xstrata mine in Espinar. The violent clashes between protestors and police have already had tragic results. Suppressing the protest is not going to make the problem go away and a proper environmental and safety impact survey needs to be conducted as a matter of urgency. Copper mines can cause immense water, soil and air pollution, deforestation and soil erosion and Xstrata is not a disinterested party - their claims of negligible impact need to be investigated. There are also serious safety concerns for the workers.
Thank you for your attention.
