In January 2004, the Collective of Social Organizations of San Marcos (COSAM) made a request to governmental authorities to cancel the exploitation licences granted to Montana Exploradora de Guatemala, S.A., the wholly owned subsidiary of Goldcorp Inc., owner of the Marlin Mine project. They argued that not stopping the mining licences would result in negativeContinue reading “2004-2005 Human Rights Ombudsperson’s Office carries out investigation into Marlin mine”
Subsoil Key Actors Category Archives
2006-2014 Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal hearings on Canadian mining in Latin America [Guatemala/Marlin]
Between 2006 and 2010, the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) held three hearings as part of a session, entitled the “European Union and transnational corporations in Latin America: policies, instruments and actors complicit in the violations of peoples’ rights.” This session included testimony and evidence relating to the Marlin Mine in Guatemala. In respect to thisContinue reading “2006-2014 Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal hearings on Canadian mining in Latin America [Guatemala/Marlin]”
2011-2013 Criminal charges against Siria Valley Environmental Committee (CAVS) members
In 2011, 17 members of local grassroots organization Siria Valley Environmental Committee (CAVS) faced criminal charges, including obstructing a forestry management plan in 2010 in the community of Tepalitos, in the municipality of El Porvenir. In July 2011, CAVS spokesperson, Carlos Amador, and another activist were temporarily detained on these charges, then released on bailContinue reading “2011-2013 Criminal charges against Siria Valley Environmental Committee (CAVS) members”
2012 People’s International Health Tribunal Hearing on Goldcorp’s mining operations in Central America [Honduras]
In July 2012 the People’s International Health Tribunal held a hearing regarding Goldcorp’s mining operations in Carrizalillo, Guerrero, México; Valle de Siria [Siria Valley], Francisco Morazán, Honduras; and San Miguel Ixtahuacán and Sipacapa, San Marcos, Guatemala. Testimony was heard from health, environmental, and human rights experts, and members of communities directly affected by the mining operations. The Tribunal “delivered aContinue reading “2012 People’s International Health Tribunal Hearing on Goldcorp’s mining operations in Central America [Honduras]”
2018 UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders visit to Honduras
In April and May 2018, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders carried out a fact-finding country visit to Honduras. His preliminary report issued at the end of the visit, highlighted the threats faced by human rights activists, particularly environmental defenders, arising from their legitimate social demands. The rapporteur also identifiedContinue reading “2018 UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders visit to Honduras”
2011 Administrative Appeal to declare Siria Valley a Health Emergency
On 13 December 2011, the National Coalition of Environmental and Organisational Networks and the Siria Valley Environmental Committee (CAVS) submitted an administrative appeal to the Ministry of Health, requesting that the area of Siria Valley be declared a health emergency, that the Ministry immediately attend to those affected by heavy metals, carry out new medicalContinue reading “2011 Administrative Appeal to declare Siria Valley a Health Emergency”
1998-2013 Honduran Mining Laws
In 1998, the Honduran Government passed the General Mining Law (“1998 Mining Law”). The law was passed in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch – a natural disaster that caused significant damage throughout the country – and enabled a new regulatory regime for mining in Honduras. Some critics point out that the legislative drafting and enactmentContinue reading “1998-2013 Honduran Mining Laws”
2006-2013 Moratorium on Mining Concessions
A moratorium on new mining concessions was originally proposed in 2004 by the Minister of Natural Resources. According to the Honduras Accompaniment Project (PROAH), this proposal was based on the following two factors: (1) the Siria Valley Environmental Committee (CAVS) and the Civic Alliance for Mining Law Reform demonstrated to the Executive Directorate for theContinue reading “2006-2013 Moratorium on Mining Concessions”
2006-2009 Draft Mining Law proposed by civil society organizations
In 2006, the Civic Alliance for Democracy (ACD), a network of 35 social organizations in Honduras working to defend the interests of communities against mining companies, submitted a proposal for a new mining law that, among other things, ended the use of cyanide and other toxic substances, prohibited open pit mining, required community consultations/referendum priorContinue reading “2006-2009 Draft Mining Law proposed by civil society organizations”
2006-2017 Constitutional Challenges to Honduran Mining Laws
In 2006, a constitutional challenge was brought on behalf of 20 Honduran citizens, including representatives of the Honduran Association of Environmental and Agro-Forest Journalists (AHPAAF) and the Committee for the Defense and Development of the Gulf of Fonseca Plant and Wildlife, against the 1998 Mining Law. The Court found that 13 of the legislation’s provisionsContinue reading “2006-2017 Constitutional Challenges to Honduran Mining Laws”
