October the 2, 2011 will be a crucial day for all those that have been struggling with mining issues in Latin America. The indigenous and mestizo peoples of the rural parishes of Victoria del Portete and Tarqui (Kichwa) county of Cuenca, Ecuador, are going to vote regarding the implementation of the Quimsacocha (Kimsakocha) gold and silver mining project being carried out by the Canadian Corporation Iamgold in an area of Páramo (http://www.iamgold.com/English/Operations/Development-Projects/Quimsacocha/default.aspx), a high altitude wetland and source of water in an area of commonly held lands.
During the referendum, the communities will decide if they are in agreement or not with this mining development in Quimsacocha. The indigenous communities involved include, Tarkis, Irkis, Kachiwaiku, Escaleras and others who are part of the parish of Tarqui and Victoria del Portete. All of these people rely on this water for domestic use, irrigation, agriculture and livestock production, in other words for their food sovereignty.
This is the first referendum to be held in Ecuador regarding a mining project. Despite many attempts to have their voices heard, the government seems to be at the very best unresponsive. A referendum is the last hope to voice their opinions. The right to hold a referendum is supported by Ecuador’s Constitution, and the International Labour Organization Law 169. These communities have the right to free and prior consent.
Different experiences of voting have proved to be an important, peaceful and crucial political tool in making mining corporations accountable and socially responsible. The first voting case in Tambogrande, Peru, in 2002 whereby 90% of the people affected voted against a mega-mining project, grabbed international media attention, and led to the eventual closure of the mining project. This case, stimulated further referendums in other communities in Latin America including; Esquel – Argentina, Sipacapa – Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and recently here in Canada.
The presence of international observers is partly why these referendums have had such a success. Given that the referendum in Ecuador is taking place in 2 days, it may not be viable to send volunteer observers, however it is vital that we continue to support such communities at the most important stage in their struggle. Everyone needs to be aware of this upcoming referendum, spread this information to all of your contacts, and help where you can.