Day 6: Defending communities against Canadian mining interests



Niftali Perez Perez, from Chicomuselo, Jose Luis Abarca, son of assassinated mining activist Mariano Abarca, and Kaylan Bartholomew

Canadian Parliament voted down Bill C-300, the Responsible Mining Act, in October, 2010. There are currently no laws governing misbehaviour by Canadian companies in foreign countries. The effects of this on the small Chiapas town of Chicomusela were brought home in force when we met with representatives of the local organization Otro Mundos.  Desperately trying to defend the indigenous people and their land from destructive Canadian mining interests, these activists have literally put their lives in danger.

Blackfire is a Canadian mining company currently excavating barite, a mineral used by the petroleum industry, from the mountains above Chicomuselo.

A key local activist, Mariano Abarca, was assassinated by Blackfire security guards in 2009. Our delegation met with Mariano Abarca's son, Jose Luis Abarca, as well as some of his supporters from Chicomuselo, to discuss the current situation and how best this community can be supported.

When Blackfire arrived in the community they promised jobs, improved social services and better roads. This is a powerful promise in a small struggling town. Unfortunately what they brought with them is serious damage to the community and the environment. Although this is hotly denied by Blackfire, the local people describe lesions developed from bathing in contaminated streams, mudslides during the raining season spoiling their drinking water and excavated earth growing into a precarious mountain above their town. The mining company is the source of growing inequality and division causing tension even within families.

There is documented evidence that Blackfire has bought off local authorities, and is illegally passing through protected land. We were told that their written contract with the government has been broached and that activists also have proof of this.

Heavy company trucks weighing as much as 80 tons rumble through the centre of town causing bridges, houses and roads to crumble. Indeed it was Mariano Abarca’s efforts to mobilize the community to block the passage of these trucks that first brought him to the attention of Blackfire’s hired security guards. First arrested and released, then followed and beaten up, he was finally assassinated by guards wearing shirts with the Blackfire logo.

Since that time international support for the struggle of Chicomuselo has grown, but continues to be greatly needed. Blackfire is contributing daily to the further environmental and social problems of this region. Mining Watch Canada is an organization campaigning for accountability of Canadian mining companies, and is supported by OPSEU’s Social Justice Fund. To find out more about what Canadian mining companies are doing, and what you can do to support communities like Chicomuselo, visit the Mining Watch Canada website at http://www.miningwatch.ca/

The activists we met with traveled four hours each way to share their story and struggle with our delegation. At OPSEU and in the labour movement we have a special way to show support for struggling workers. We explained to Abarca and his companions that this is our own tradition and "passed the hat" in a show of solidarity union style! Or as it was translated into Spanish: "pasear el sombrero".

Emily Visser