Exploration metal mining
Open pit mining, with large water consumption and use of toxic substances, had a brake on the north: the town of Abra Pampa Jujuy extractive activities prohibited. Powered by the Department of Communities Council Kolla, which brings together 40 indigenous communities, the city council had passed an ordinance last November, but the mayor vetoed the standard Ariel Machaca. Last Thursday, after the mobilization of indigenous peoples and environmental organizations, the mayor backed down and the ordinance went into effect. Abra Pampa in a test case of mining: a survey of the National University of Jujuy in 2007 revealed that 81 percent of children have blood lead as a result of metalliferous activity.
“Prohibits the establishment, installation or operation of metalliferous mining exploration in the open and / or mining operations that use chemicals such as cyanide, mercury, sulfuric acid and other similar toxic substances in their processes of prospecting, exploration, exploitation and / or industrialization, “states the first article of the ordinance number 51-CD-010. Article two prohibits the entry, trafficking, use, storage, marketing, production and transport of toxic substances used in mining.
The draft ordinance had been agreed by the indigenous communities in July 2010. In August was presented at the City Council and on 30 November unanimously adopted. Among the many legal arguments stand out above the General Environmental Law (25,675), in particular the precautionary principle: “Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of information and scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures measures to prevent environmental degradation. “
He also cites Article 41 of the Constitution (refer to the right to a healthy environment for residents and future generations, and on productive activities) and Article 22 of the Constitution of Jujuy: “All inhabitants of the province have the right to enjoy a healthy and ecologically balanced environment and the duty to defend. ” In the five veneers placed on record the enormous consumption of water (in an area where it is a scarce commodity) and explained that it is an activity that threatens the indigenous way of life and farming.
On 20 December, the mayor vetoed the ordinance Machaca. The main argument was that environmental care is for the province. Indigenous communities have called for a new vote last Thursday, with the support of the council. A minutes into the session were informed that they had been suspended. They decided to march two blocks to the Inspectorate.
After six hours of debate in the courtyard of the council, the mayor reversed the decree and enacted the ordinance which prohibits open pit mining. “There is plenty of evidence that mining does not bring a job or economic improvement, and yes bring pollution. Pampa is a testament to all that, “said Chairman of the Board of Communities Kolla, José Sajama.
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