Inter-American Commission on Human Rights orders Guatemala to suspend mining extraction operations http://www.radiomundoreal.fm/High-Time?lang=es

The IACHR decided to accept the petitions by 18 Mayan Man and Sipakense communities regarding contamination of water sources and illegal expropriation of territories.The Commission ordered Guatemala to demand the suspension of operations of Marlin mine in twenty days. Marlin Mine exploits gold and silver in San Marcos Department.

The IACHR says that the mining concession was granted without consulting, in a prior and informed way, affected communities. Montana started building Marlin Mine I in 2003, and began its gold and silver operations in 2005. Mining exploitation has serious consequences for life, environment and the resources of the affected indigenous people, since Tzala River and its affluents are the only sources of water for them.Several wells have dried up, and metals present in water as a result of the mining activity have serious negative effects on the health of the community.