Canadian mine giant Barrick fined a record $16.4M in Chile

Taken From: CBC News

Date Published: May 25th, 2013

El Corral, a village with 200 inhabitants, mostly from the
Diaguita ethnic group.

Summary: The Diaguita Indians live in the foothills of the Andes, just downstream from the world's highest gold mine. And long as anybody can remember the Indians have drunk straight from the glacier-fed river that irrigates their orchards and vineyards with its clear water. Then thousands of mine workers moved in with huge machines, and moved to the mountain tops. River levels dropped, the water turned murky, and now the Indians complain of cancerous growths and aching stomachs. The villagers are convinced it is Barrick Gold Corp. that is causing the health problems. 

"We don't know how much contamination the fruit and vegetables we eat may have," complained Diaguita leader Yovana Paredes Paez. "They're drying up the river, our farms aren't the same. The animals are dying of hunger. Now there's no cheese or meat. It's changed completely."

Chile's empowered environmental regulate confirmed nearly two dozen violations of Barrick's environmental impact agreement. They blocked construction on the $8.5 billion project until the company keeps its promises to prevent water contamination.  The environmental superintendent fined Barrick a record $16.4 million. The highest environmental fine in Chile's history.

Opinion: I think it is not right of the mining company to abuse its rights and violate the environmental agreement they signed with Chile. I believe Chile made the right choice in fining them and halting construction until they have cleaned up the mess. It hope the Diaguita Indians have their problem sorted out and can continue to live how to lived before. I hope the company responds with respect and listens to what Chile has to say, after all they are in Chile.