MAC: Mines and Communities

HONDURAS

Published by MAC on 2007-07-20

HONDURAS

Protest against Open Pit Mining: 12 injured and 72 arrested

TEGUCIGALPA.— At least 12 people were injured and 59 arrested Tuesday when Honduran police violently cleared several roadblocks set up by protesters demanding a new mining law, reported ACAN-EFE.

Salvador Zuniga, consultant of the Coordinating Board of Peasant and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras, told AFP, "They came at us wielding clubs; we have several injured and 10 arrested." The group had led the protest at a roadblock 120 kilometers north of the capital.

The demonstrators are demanding a law that forbids open pit mining, including the use of cyanide, mercury and other toxic substances.

They also call for community meetings so the people can decide if they want the mining operations or not, and to obligate the companies to carry out measures to mitigate the impact on the environment, among other demands.

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