Colombian bishops call for referendum on mining

August 17, 2015

The bishops of two Colombian departments (provinces) have issued a statement on mining.

“In certain cases when the result of mining activity is devastating, despite the fact that it meets the requirements of the law, the people should decide about the economic vocation of their area and, by way of a referendum, reject mining activity within their territory,” the bishops of Antioquia and Chocó said in a statement.

“This would be a way of enabling citizens to actively and consciously participate in decisional processes on matters affecting quality of life or activities which destroy the environment,” the bishops added, according to a report from the Fides news agency.

 

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Further information:

• “Let the people speak about mining activity”, Bishops’ statement (Fides)
• How Colombia's illegal gold mines are making life a misery for the people and wrecking the environment (Daily Record)