A month ago, the defenders of human and indigenous rights and local organizations in defense of their territory like FREDEMI (Miguelense Defense Front), member of CPO (Council of Peoples of the West) applauded Guatemala’s government's decision to suspend the Marlin mine. However, the same organizations refrained from making celebratory statements. The CPO urged the government to expedite the administrative process, for the suspension to take effect without further delay, so its commitment would go beyond mere speech.

Nyrstar NV today announced that it has acquired the Contonga and Pucarrajo polymetallic mines in Peru for approximately US$23 million, in line with the Company's strategy to selectively pursue opportunities in mining.  

FIAN International calls for international action. CATAPA supports the action.

Guatemala, July 15, 2010.

On July 7th, two unknown men shot Ms. Diodora Antonia Hernández Cinto in her home. She is a community leader of the movement against the Marlin Mine.

In the last two weeks, Peruvians have faced, once again, the weakness of its environmental institutions and the enormous risks that are constantly present in different parts of our territory. First, the oil spill in the Marañon river in the district of Urarina in Loreto, followed by the collapse of a tailings dam in the district of Huachocolpa in Huancavelica, which is causing terrible contamination of three rivers in the area on top of economic and health impacts for the communities. 

Source: Huffington Post, 01/06/10

Author's note: Last week, following the visit of U.N. Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Rights James Anaya, the Guatemalan government agreed to abide by his requests and those of the Interamerican Commission on Human Rights, the Catholic Church, the International Labor Organization and others and has ordered the temporary suspension of operations at the Marlin Mine in the indigenous lands of Western Guatemala.