Canadian Embassy in Mexico backs human rights abuses by mining company

This sign outside the La Platosa mine says, "Water unfit for human consumption." (Prometeo Lucero/Red TDT via CBCNews) — This sign outside the La Platosa mine says, “Water unfit for human consumption.” (Prometeo Lucero/Red TDT via CBCNews)

A new report from MiningWatch Canada alleges that the Canadian Embassy in Mexico is supporting human rights abuses related to Toronto-based mining company Excellon Resources Inc. operations in the state of Durango.

This allegation is based in part on documents obtained from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) under an access to information request. According to MiningWatch, these documents directly demonstrate the Canadian Embassy’s “tolerance of, and even support for, violent state repression against a peaceful protest at the Ejido La Sierrita during the summer of 2012.”

In July 2012, members of the Ejido La Sierrita landowners collective began protesting after talks with Excellon Resources Inc. broke down. The landowners and workers of the mine were calling upon Excellon Resources Inc. and the Canadian government to address a number of health and safety concerns at the mine, and demanded that the company comply with the land rental agreement which included the construction of a water treatment plant. Before protesting, the Ejido La Sierrita had filed two formal complaints in Canada alleging serious land and labour rights violations – with no results.

MiningWatch’s concern is that the Canadian Embassy is prioritizing the short-term interests of Excellon Resources Inc. over the safety and human rights of the Ejido La Sierrita. Canadian firms make up some 70% of the foreign mining corporations operating in Mexico.