Monterrico Metals is facing a multimillion-pound claim for damages after protesters were detained and allegedly tortured at an opencast copper plant that the firm is seeking to develop in the mountains of northern Peru. In a case that will highlight growing tensions between powerful mining interests in Peru and alliances of poor subsistence farmers and environmentalists, the high court in London is to hear harrowing accounts of people held for three days at the remote mine near the border with Ecuador.
See http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/18/peru-monterrico-metals-mining-protest.
See also http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/oct/18/british-mining-firm-peru-controversy.
Documentary about Monterrico Metals in Peru
Film-maker Michael Watts has produced an excellent 20-minute documentary featuring Servando Aponte and Cleofe Neyra, two members of the rural communities affected by the Monterrico/Majaz mine in Peru who are also claimants in the case brought by Leigh Day in England. The film provides an insight into daily life in the region and issues surrounding the mining project, including the abuse of protesters at the mining camp in 2005. A very useful snapshot of the reality faced by Servando and Cleofe in Peru.
The film was premiered at last week’s public meeting at Amnesty UK with women activists from Latin America, organised by LMN member group LAMMP.
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyl_2I_QNYU&feature=related or http://www.vimeo.com/6942613.