Three years after the first aluminum surveying tags appeared in the hills above San José Las Flores, where, according to the Salvadoran mining code, company representatives have no legal right to be, the organized communities of Chalatenango continue to face the threat posed by international gold mining companies. They also continue to organize against them.
Defending Natural Resources, Online Resources
Gold Mining Analysis and Resistance Series
[#1] Organizing in El Salvador, August 2008 : This update covers recent mining events in El Salvador, including analysis of Pacific Rim’s suspension of operations, continued education and resistance efforts in the communities, and examples of some of the deceptive tactics used by mining companies.
[#2] Educating Our Communities Against Propaganda, North and South : This October, 2008 update covers the educational community organizing in Chalatenango, and details deliberate mining company strategies to co-opt and manipulate community opinion.
[#3] Pacific Rim Out of El Salvador! Campaign Kicks off November 12, 2008 : This update revisits current anti-mining organizing in El Salvador. Also, don’t miss The Dominion this month for in-depth mining coverage.
[#4] Public Statements Grow Against Mineral Mining in El Salvador, February 2009 : San Salvador’s new Archbishop and President Tony Saca make strong statements against mining.
[#5] Mining Companies Turn to CAFTA and File Suit Against El Salvador : June, 2009: Facing local opposition to their mining projects, two mining companies are turning to international trade agreements in an attempt to force their projects through.