Illegal: Authorization to Grant Zoning for Activities that Risk the Environment

Posted by vistagoldNO

This week Congresswoman Sonia Murillo Macias presented a Congressional initiative that would prohibit open pit gold mining in the State of Baja California Sur.  The final vote is expected next week. This would mean the definitive denial of the change of zoning permits needed by Corcordia Gold (previously known as Paredones Amarillos mine) to proceed with their proposed mining project.  Concordia Gold, owned by Vista Gold, previously know as Paredones Amarillos Gold mine, changed the company name earlier this year after meeting fierce resistance from the local population that sees the open pit gold mine as a risk to their water resources and the Sierra de la Laguna Bio Sphere Reserve.  Many view the mine as a direct threat to the tourism, organic farming, agricultural, cattle and fishing industries that employ more than 71% of the population.

     Congresswomen Murillo said, “In the past few days there have been diverse reforms to the state law for Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection that would prohibit state and local governments from granting open pit gold mining permits. It is now the State congress that must act to declare our position against such mines.”

      The Congresswoman further declared that it would also prohibit permits for thermonuclear electric plants, as well as industries that use explosive and toxic materials.  “In the Law for Economic Development we propose a vision that would consider our state appropriate for development in all sectors -tourist, commercial, fishing, agriculture and mining as long as the activities are sustainable.”  She indicated that the state does not need contaminating industries to be economically successful.

        She emphasized, “From now on it will be illegal for state and municipal governments, to authorize the change of zoning for industrial and commercial activities that pose a risk to the environment of Baja California Sur.” 

      Other members of Congress commented that Baja California Sur is no longer open to the transnational companies who think they can come to Mexico and open contaminating enterprises that would be prohibited in their own countries.  Congressman Juan Hernandes Paularena emphasized, “ It is our right and responsibility to protect the unique quality of life that we enjoy in BCS.  Let it be known that our children’s future is not for sale.”  

    Attorney Ariel Ruiz Castillo, President of the citizen’s organization known as “Agua Vale Mas Que Oro” (Water is worth more than Gold), said, “We live in a pristine, virgin environment and the gold mining companies come and give us computers and tell us that they will build a school or a clinic.  They think they can seduce us with beads and mirrors like the early conquerors. Do they think that we are ignorant, that such trinkets will mitigate the risks they ask us to take?  They say, "just trust us." These are hit and run companies who take the gold and leave us with the mess. Why should we trust a company that has no stake in the future of our state? No we cannot trust them.”