Map: Since the first local vote in Tambogrande, Peru in 2002, the "consulta", or community referendum, has emerged as a powerful tool for communities affected by unwanted mining projects to voice their collective opinion on a project through engaging in popular democracy. By giving residents of affected communities the opportunity to vote on whether or not they agree with destructive mining taking place on their land, the "consulta" can meaningfully encourage peaceful citizen participation and provide a mechanism for resistance movements to democratically voice their concerns about a particular project or on mining in general.
In a referendum held March 23, 2003, residents of a town in Argentina's pristine Patagonian region declared a resounding "no" to gold mining. In an 80 percent majority-- out of a 75% turnout-- the citizens of Esquel (population 30,000) voted against a proposal by Meridian Gold to dig an open-pit gold mine less than 7 kilometres from their town.
"The Esquel community has expressed its ...
Mines owned or run by Meridian Gold have created serious toxic pollution in at least three locations in the United States. One of the largest emitters of atmospheric mercury in the US is the Jerritt Canyon Mine in Nevada, which was part-owned by Meridian until its recent sale. This mine emits more than 10 times the amount of mercury released by a typical US power plant. The tailings facility at Jerritt Canyon has been leaking since it was constructed in the 1980s.
The newest and largest gold mine of the century is in Argentine
Patagonia, and Vancouver-based Meridian Gold wants it badly. The local population,
however, is largely opposed to the project, and will be taking
it to a plebiscite on March 29th.
The open pit mine will be located only 7 kilometres from the
beautiful city ...
Map: Since the first local vote in Tambogrande, Peru in 2002, the "consulta", or community referendum, has emerged as a powerful tool for communities affected by unwanted mining projects to voice their collective opinion on a project through engaging in popular democracy. By giving residents of affected communities the opportunity to vote on whether or not they agree with destructive mining taking place on their land, the "consulta" can meaningfully encourage peaceful citizen participation and provide a mechanism for resistance movements to democratically voice their concerns about a particular project or on mining in general.