A struggle for clean water and livelihood: Canadian mining in Costa Rica in the era of globalization

• Published in: Canadian woman studies 2002-03, Vol.21 (4), p.148
• Main Author: Isla, Ana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-globalization movement; Canadian investments; Demonstrations and protests; Developing countries; Economic development; Environmental aspects; Globalization; Gold mines and mining; LDCs; Mining industry; Negotiation; Technology
• ISSN: 0713-3235

Open-pit mining in Costa Rica now uses the extremely toxic cyanide lixiviation technique, which has led to severe pollution and consequently to organized resistance among local communities. Women and men are concerned that an increase in strip mining can further destroy local rivers and lakes. The resistance to mining is therefore a struggle not only for clean water but also for the preservation of livelihoods. The government has tried to sell sustainable development as "environmental preservation" in the name of ecological conservation. However, communities in the "gold belt" understand that the "national" government cannot protect their interests and their livelihoods, because it cannot protect their environment. For instance, on the Pacific coast, MINAE granted 20 concessions to transnational mining corporations that exploit 11,697 ha. of land, while a further eleven concessions are still under negotiation. The indebted Costa Rican government's abandonment of land to mining corporations has led to the expropriation of 16,097 hectares of land from local communities. In many cases, communities have been forcibly evicted (Isla). A second example of the effect of mining in Costa Rica involves the Macacona mine in Esparza, Puntarenas (Fundacion Coyoche), known also as the Mondongo mine. Owned by the Canadian Barranca Mining subsidiary of Hearne Ltd., it was the first open-pit or strip mine in Costa Rica. It controlled 200 hectares of land and the mine covered 20 hectares. Open-pit mining has had a significant impact on the environment and the social and cultural aspects of local communities. The first clear threat is that it eliminates the forest and any vegetation in the area, creating conditions for mudslides, while removing enormous quantities of soil in a short period of time. At Macacona, strip mining was done for seven years until the community closed the mine down at the end of 1989. However, 12 years later, the hectares operated by the mining company are still lifeless. The forest and the wildlife that had existed on the higher ground were removed in order for the company to make a vertical cut, 150 meters deep, breaking the underground aquifer stratum for 925 metres (Fundacion Coyoche). The cyanide and other toxins used in the process of mining the gold killed the forest and contaminated the mountain streams of Turbina, Rio Paires, Rio Jesus Maria, the mangrove swamps of Tivives and the Gulf of Nicoya. The pollution killed fish, wildlife, cattle, an