from the DataCenter's Environmental Justice Program, Winter 2002.

Peruvian Campesinos Demand Accountability from Newmont

The modern gold mining industry is more destructive than industrial logging or factory farming. Often located on indigenous lands around the world, gold mines pollute water sources, poison communities and their food supplies, and destroy sacred sites. Gold mining corporations frequently use military or paramilitary force to move communities from future mine sites. Their rapacious operations are aided by institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which have forced countries to sell off natural resources, such as gold, to foreign corporations. An international network of indigenous groups is working together to stop the gold mining industry from destroying their communities.

In Peru, the Federacion de Rondas Campesinas Femeninas is fighting to hold Newmont Corporation - the second largest gold mining operation in the world - accountable for the environmental, cultural and social destruction it has caused.

The DataCenter's Environmental Justice program provided the Rondas Campesinas, through its U.S.-based ally, Project Underground, with documentation on successful toxic torts that had resulted in the cleanup and restitution of similarly affected peoples in the U.S. The Rondas Campesinas have made use of this information to show local environmental authorities legal models for holding the mine accountable for the damage it has caused.

In May 2001, Peruvian campesinos brought their claims to Newmont's shareholder meeting. They filed a complaint with the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman to the International Finance Corporation (a member of the World Bank), which owns 5% of Newmont's Yanacocha mine in Peru. The campesinos are now participating in a dialogue process with the mine being mediated by the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman to the IFC.

For further information or to get involved, contact Project Underground.