Following the demand to implement an independent environmental monitoring programme in Espinar, Peru, the local NGO “Vicaría de la Solidaridad” got funds and technical support from the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation “Misereor”.
Between July and September 2011, 50 water and 27 soil samples had been taken and had been analyzed for their element composition in accredited laboratories. In 28 out of 50 water samples, the water did not fulfill the national requirements for water which might be purified with common treatment methods.
This study confirms the fears of community members who have been demonstrating against Xstrata’s mines.
See http://www.ejolt.org/2012/08/environmental-monitoring-of-xstrata-tintaya-copper-mine-in-cusco-peru/.