On our way to the sea we reached the town of Matarani and set our hammocks under an abandoned kiosk. We were surrounded by heavily armed police so we asked a young officer about the reason behind it.
He explained that the local population was fighting against the construction of a copper mine since 2010. By extracting the water sources and polluting the agricultural land with chemical substances, the mine will have a negative impact on the environment and health of the people. It was even proven by scientific research that the mining will cause irreparable damage to the area. The locals are standing up against the mine. The police is reacting strongly and also using armed force against the angry masses. Injuries and even casualties have occured.
In confidence the officer told us that the the villagers standing up for their land were actually right. We had a long conversation with him and were touched by the injustice happening in the Tambo Valley. If you want to read more about this conflict search for “Tía María mine, Peru”.
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| Our shelter for the night |
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| No comment |
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| Marks of burned tyres |
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| Road blockades |
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