Gold Fever in Cajamarca, Colombia with English Subtitles - Part 1

With the recent ever-increasing gold prices, and the 'investor friendly' climate fueled by the Colombian government's 'democratic security' policies, multinationals have been awarded mining rights to extensive areas of the country. Many of these areas cover national parks, and lands inhabited by Indigenous, Afro-Colombian and peasant communities, who will be displaced to make way for the mining companies. Not only are the environmental consequences for what is currently one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity devastating; vulnerable communities will lose their livelihoods and food security.

London listed AngloGold Ashanti, the world's third largest gold producer, is one of the major players in Colombia. Enriched during the Apartheid era, it was awarded the Greenpeace Public Eye award for being The World's Most Irresponsible Company, following its deplorable environmental and human rights record in Ghana, a country where it has been operating for many years. La Colosa is an AngloGold Ashanti mining project in Cajamarca, Tolima, Colombia, which would become the largest opencast gold mine in South America, using cyanide to process the gold ore. It has been given the go-ahead by the Colombian government, despite being located within an area of forest reserve, and is facing fierce opposition by local communities.

Documentary by Pau Soles

• Category

  Nonprofits & Activism

[Gerald LEBRUN]

With $1600 an ounce the shareholders of Newmont can expect a good profit, but for the people of Cajamarca just stay cianurio, mercury and infertile soils. Please express your disapproval to Newmont Company Newmont Mining Corporation ? 10101 East Dry Creek Road Englewood, CO 80112 Phone (303) 708-4000 Newmont Mining Corporation 6363 South Fiddler's Green Circle GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 UNITED STATES Phone: (303) 863-7414 Fax: (303) 837-5837