By Pearl Rimon
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

 BOGOTA, Colombia – There is an upcoming demonstration scheduled in London from people in Colombia, Mongolia, South Africa and the United States against the largest mining companies. The mining companies are accused of polluting the environment, affecting people’s health and forcing communities to migrate due to their operations.

The owners of Cerrejón, a coal mine in northern Colombia, are accused of devastating the health of about 13,000 people who live near the mine.

Julio Gomez, the president of Fecodemigua (Federation of Communities Displaced by Mining in La Guajira) said,”We have had to suffer the impacts of opencast coal mining for over 25 years now. Our communities have been gradually and systematically asphyxiated by the contamination caused by coal mining, our societies [have been] fractured.”

The mine has been opened since 1985 and plans on increasing its production by 25% in three years. Britain has increased imports of Colombian coal by 48%. The mine is the largest in South America. The mine has gone through labor disputes, complaints of management, pollution, and for failure to compensate communities that have been affected by its operations. The mine was shut down by a strike for 32 days this year. Mine workers suffered from back problems and respiratory infections.

“The health of everyone in La Guajira within 5km of the area of mining and transport of coal is being severely affected: studies [show] the constant exposure to coal dust is clearly linked to the increase in illnesses,” said Gomez.

The owners of Cerrejón, Anglo American, have been accused of destroying communities due to expansion. Five villages have been displaced due to the mine’s operations. The affected communities mostly include those of the Wayuu people. The Wayuu have lived in the area before the Spanish conquest. The Wayuu have been forced to resettle to other villages. The indigenous Afro-Colombian people have also been displaced due to the mine. The people that did not relocate suffer from polluted soil, which prevents them from growing their crops.

An Anglo American spokesman said, “Anglo American works tirelessly to ensure we observe the highest international standards, whether relating to human rights, environmental sensitivities and social issues, both in our wholly owned and jointly owned operations.”

Critics of Anglo American advocate for the displaced people and miners who try to stop the rapidly expanding mining industry and demand better conditions for the people who live in the surrounding areas.

For further information, please see:

Guardian — Colombian miners hit out at Anglo American – 15 April 13

El Heraldo — Corpoguajira opens investigation against Cerrejón – 12 April 13

El Herlado — Cerrejon says that manages protection for threatened members Sintracarbón – 9 April 13

New Internationalist — Bringing Colombian coal mining back home to London – 9 April 13