For many years, Almaden Minerals, a Canadian mining company listed on the U.S stock exchange, has been trying to extract gold and silver out of a municipality located in the northern region of Puebla, Mexico. This story is one among many depicting what happens when there isn’t a legal framework that protects communities and our most vulnerable from being exploited at the hands of corporations.
Community members that PODER spoke with insist that the company did not conduct consultations or otherwise provide free, prior and informed consent, the mining company disputes this claim saying that they conducted their own conversations with community members. However, community members of Puebla, Mexico have no way to dispute this claim and assert their rights.
Legislation that would hold corporations accountable for violations of human rights occurring throughout their value chains is necessary to create an avenue for impacted communities to seek justice.
The Stories From Puebla, Mexico
- Community Members fight against mining operations
- “We Want our Voices to be Heard” says Maria Elena Lopez
- Ignacio Carmon Cruz tells us his story
Community Members fight against mining operations
Watch our video to learn how the mining project could cause irreparable and serious violations of rights to water, the environment, and the health of the inhabitants of the communities.
“We Want our Voices to be Heard” says Maria Elena Lopez
Watch our one minute explainer video to understand the importance of telling the stories of communities rendered invisible under the power-hungry agenda of a mining company focused on depleting their natural resources.
Ignacio Carmon Cruz tells us his story
Watch a community member from Puebla, Mexico tell us how his life would change for the worse if this mining project was to continue.