I would like it if you skim the news in Peru at one point in this course.
Another death involving a Peruvian mine - and this one is just a protest over the mine, not the workers themselves.
The demand for precious metals and industrial metals is now, as it was in the years of the Spanish conquistadores, found in Peru. Some reasons are: 1) abundance 2) cheap labour 3) lack of environmental regulations.
Today's story may get one of you started, but I'm sure it won't be the last one you'll hear over the next 4 months - I've been reading this same story since I was in high school. What are the issues in the Peruvian/South American mining industry?
http://www.newsday.com/news/world/1-killed-4-wounded-in-protest-over-peruvian-mine-1.4023203
The issues in Peru when it comes to the mining industry all revolve around environmental concerns. Since Peru is the key producers of gold, zinc, silver and copper, there are always a lot of mining projects going on. However, for years locals have disagreed with these projects, and expressed their concerns. Many of them feel like the project is going to contaminate their water supply and cause other environmental issues. Authorities in change of these projects do not seem to care though, so the locals are forced to protest to get their voices heard. These protests often become violent, and in the last year nineteen locals have been killed by police and many others injured. In the midst of all this, the owners of the mining companies keeping saying that the water is clean, because it is treated and certified before it goes out to anyone to drink. Personally, I find that hard to believe since Peru does not have very good environmental regulations. In my opinion, the reason they will not stop the mining projects is because of money. For the last little while, the mining industry has been driving Peru's economy, so stopping that would mean they lose money. I do understand that they would not want to lose money, because they are still just a developing nation and want to have a better economy to hopefully become a richer nation. However, you think they would be concerned about their environment, because having an environmental issue like contaminated water could ruin their economy from the numerous problems it would produce.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I believe that the government of Peru should work with the owners of the mining companies, and figure out a more environment friendly way to what they want to. That way they can still make money and grow their economy, but they could do so without numerous protests. Also, no one deserves to die just because they care about their environment and more so, they should not be dying at the hands of police. Police are supposed to protect people, even if they are protesting. Everyone deserves the right to protest if they want to change what's happening in their community, especially if it is for the good.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/120920/peru-barrick-gold-mine-protest-leaves-one-person-dead
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1259924--barrick-gold-closes-peruvian-mine-for-one-day-after-violent-clashes
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444165804578008254153386218.html
Brittni brings up some very good points and It's true, police are supposed to protect people, but in countries where the police are as corrupt as the criminals themselves then what are the people to do? Since we live in this lovely bubble and have (mostly) uncorrupt police officers we don't see it as often but the police and government are very corrupt it most places and that's the sad truth of the matter
ReplyDeleteThe current situation in Peru is unacceptable. The lack of compassion for human rights and the environment is astounding. Basic needs such as clean water are being overlooked for corporate greed.The government claims to be treating the water but many locals are sceptical and don't trust the government(1) Even though peaceful protest should be a given right the Peruvian government has shown a complete disregard for human life in the wounding of 4 and slaying of one protester.(2)The situation in Peru is quickly escalating and is best summed up by this quote form Cabinet chief Juan Jiminez “This doesn’t help the country to be essentially a country with credibility, with social inclusion, respectful of human rights, which is what we all want,” said Jimenez."(3)
ReplyDelete(1)http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/killed-wounded-protest-peruvian-mine-17284940#.UF6S8bJlTK0
(2)http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/killed-wounded-protest-peruvian-mine-17284940#.UF6S8bJlTK0
(3)http://www.peruviantimes.com/22/peru-to-investigate-death-in-barrick-gold-protests/16960/