October 22, 2021
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Illegal ‘Fenix’ mining operation must be immediately suspended
Q’eqchi’ women hold tear-gas canisters collected after their legal protest was attacked October 22, 2021, by Guatemalan police on behalf of Solway Investment Group (Swiss mining company, with majority Russian investors) and its subsidiary Guatemalan Nickel Company (CGN). Photo: Ancestral Council ofQ’eqchi’ People
Over 61 years of nickel mining repression and corruption continue uninterrupted in the Indigenous territories of El Estor, Guatemala. It began with Canadian mining giant INCO (and subsidiary EXMIBAL), 1964-2004; and continued with Skye Resources/CGN (2004-2008), Hudbay Minerals/CGN (2008-2011) and Solway Investment Group/CGN (2011-present).
Photo: Ancestral Council Q’eqchi’ People
Going back to 2004 (if not back to 1964), first Skye Resources, then Hudbay Minerals and now Solway Investment Group have violently, corruptly operated the “Fenix” nickel mine WITH NO LEGAL AUTHORITY.
“Government authorities, police and special forces continue to use violence against Indigenous people. All this for wealth and power”.
Joining the protests (see photo) in defense of lands, environmental and rule of law in Guatemala, are 7 of the 11 women-plaintiffs in the landmark Hudbay Minerals/CGN lawsuits in Canada for mining related rapes they suffered in 2007.
Joining also is Angelica Choc, widow of Adolfo Ich who was murdered in 2009 by the head of security of CGN when it was owned by Hudbay Minerals (also a plaintiff in Hudbay Minerals/CGN lawsuits).
Solway Investment Group and CGN, together with the governments of Guatemala and Switzerland, are responsable for these acts of repression by police, soldiers and civilians with them, against Q'eqchi' villagers in El Estor, the rightful owners of the lands.
The armed government forces must be called off. The order of the Constitutional Court of Guatemala must be immediately complied with and mining operation suspended.
More information
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Between the Lines invites you to Oct. 25 book launch: “TESTIMONIO: Canadian Mining in the Aftermath of Genocides in Guatemala” (that documents four community struggles against harms and violence caused by mainly Canadian mining companies in Guatemala. Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/testimonio-virtual-book-launch-tickets-194614897397
Tax-Deductible Donations (Canada & U.S.)
To support the work and struggle of the Q’eqchi’ people in defense of land, human rights and environment, and for justice in Guatemala and Canada, make check payable to "Rights Action" and mail to:
- U.S.: Box 50887, Washington DC, 20091-0887
- Canada: (Box 552) 351 Queen St. E, Toronto ON, M5A-1T8
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