Residents in the town of Famatina celebrate a major victory today after La Rioja’s governor-elect [current vice-governor], Sergio Casas, announced that the Midais mining company would discontinue its project in the Blanco River.
This decision comes only weeks after a peaceful protest was met with violent police repression. During protests last month, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to suppress the rally and disperse residents and activists.
Hands off Famatina! (Photo: Jorge Santander)
This is the fourth time that Famatina residents have thwarted mining efforts in the province of La Rioja, having successfully warded off advances by major international companies Barrick Gold, Osisko, and Shandong Gold over the last ten years. They argue that mining projects cause serious environmental and health risks, and that they do not economically benefit the affected communities.
Vice-Governor Casas commented, “The company [Midais] will go despite its activities not having caused contamination, but we look for a necessary consensus among residents.”
The Catholic bishop for the region, Marcelo Colombo, was fundamental in efforts to shut down the mining project and led negotiations between residents and the government.
“I encourage everyone to continue building a new future together, where the dialogue paves the way for necessary social peace and contributes to the common good of all residents,” he said in an open letter to the community.
Colombo further explained in his letter that the government assured him the mining company will withdraw from the region “within the next few days”, and he condemned the violent police repression that occurred in past anti-mining protests.
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