Honduras, Environmental Study Reveals Dangerous Blood Levels Of Lead And Arsenic In Villagers
Published by MAC on 2007-02-24
Latin America Update - Edición Latinoamericana
24th February 2007
At almost lightning speed, the Canadian miner, Goldcorp, has shot into the ranks of the world's top gold producers. But, last week, an environmental study released in Honduras revealed dangerous blood levels of lead and arsenic among villagers local to the company's San Martin mine, which has been a target for protests over the past six years.
As this news broke, the Honduran president re-confirmed the moratorium on all new mining projects which his government had introduced in January 2006.
The pending takeover by Zijin mining of Monterrico Metals' massive copper project in northwestern Peru, has triggered a plea by farmers' organisations that the new Chinese owners recognise the gross illegalities and derelictions of the UK operator.