Inter-American Commission hears complaints against mining and tourism projects

During a thematic hearing held by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, representatives from various communities testified regarding the negative impacts of corporate projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In Mexico, Rarámuri community leaders from Chihuahua reported that the Barrancas del Cobre tourism project has caused river and stream contamination. They testified that they were not consulted about the initiative starting in 1997 and continue to lack basic services such as potable water, schools, and adequate employment. Mexican state representatives denied human rights violations, stating they are pursuing a justice plan for the Sierra Tarahumara region to address community needs.

Other testimonies focused on the impacts of Canadian mining operations. Community leaders and NGOs argued that Canadian companies have engaged in patterns of corporate abuse, including toxic spills in Argentina that have contaminated the Jachal River. Critics questioned why the Canadian government has not implemented stricter, binding human rights and environmental due diligence standards for its mining sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the world’s publicly traded mining companies.