BTS 2022 June Newsletter
Cerro Blanco: a project with transboundary consequences
Community in resistance to the Cerro Blanco mine holding a press conference. Signs behind them read "No to the Cerro Blanco Mine: We defend the River Basin Ostúa, Guija, Lempa... For water, life, for the dignity of the people..." Photo Credits: Ruda Written by Maria Reyes. The Cerro [...]
Communities Affected by the Cerro Blanco Mine host a Congressional Hearing
Congressional hearing on February 7th, 2022 with Congress member Aldo Davila. Community members from Asuncion Mita and El Salvador bring concerns to corresponding ministries over the conversion of the Cerro Blanco mine from underground tunnels to open-pit mining The Cerro Blanco open-pit mining project threatens the right to [...]
The Impact of Mining Exploitation and the 2021 State of Siege for the Q’eqchi’ communities of El Estor
(Street art depicting the violent reprisal against the Maya Q’eqchi’ communities of El Estor. Including the peaceful Indigenous mining resistance who faced violent reprisal of state forces, including the use of tear gas and the Maya Q’eqchi’ community of Chinebal, El Estor, who experienced the theft of their ancestral [...]
We denounce violence against Q’eqchi communities in Guatemala
URGENT ACTION : GUATEMALA: State must immediately stop the excessive violence against defenders of the Maya Q'eqchi' people in peaceful resistance against the illegal nickel project in El Estor. After twenty days of peaceful resistance against the illegal mining of their ancestral territories and the Guatemalan State's failure to enforce [...]
COVID-19 and Consultation
Photos taken during the pre-consultation phase meetings for the Escobal Mine (Photo credit: Xinka Parliament) In Guatemala, the unfortunate social and economic effects of the spread of COVID-19 can be observed. Guatemala is currently situated 2nd amongst Central American countries based on biweekly confirmed COVID cases per million. [...]
Recipients of the 6th Annual Topacio Reynoso Pacheco Award
We are very excited to announce the recipients of the 6th annual Topacio Reynoso Pacheco Award! Since 2016, this award has recognized and supported the efforts of youth groups in Guatemala who engage in creative resistance to defend their territory by inspiring youth to organize and use art for the [...]
ALERT: Reactivation of Mining Exploration in Eastern Guatemala
For almost two decades, mining companies have been holding on to mining concessions in eastern Guatemala, manipulating administrative and legal processes in their favor. In the context of rising prices for precious metals in 2021, one project is activating mining activities without meeting legal requirements or obtaining clear approval [...]
Consultation Process for the Escobal Mine Advances after Multi-Year Delay
Photo taken during the pre-consultation phase meetings for the Escobal Mine (Photo credit: Xinka Parliament) Written by: Maria Reyes and Indigo Christ After multiple delays, the first meeting of the pre-consultation process for the Escobal mine was held at the Xinka Parliament’s offices in Cuilapa, Santa Rosa, on [...]