Student Researcher: Nick Carelli
Faculty Instructor: Christina M. Knopf, Ph.D.
Evaluator: Trista Lang, Canadian Nurse in Central America & Rights Action member
Goldcorp Inc. mining company is demonstrating North American mining industry’s socially and environmentally destructive practices throughout the hemisphere. Goldcorp, one of the world’s largest gold mining companies, is stationed in Vancouver, B.C., with operations in the U.S., Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina. Goldcorp in the Americas links mining companies with international finance institutions to increase production of large-scale mining operations, which are the direct cause of deforestation, erosion, water contamination, and water shortages in mining communities. Goldcorp operates mines throughout Central America, including the San Martin and Marlin open pit, cyanide-leaching gold mines. These have contributed to many health and environmental harms in numerous Mayan communities in Guatemala. As mining operations continue to contaminate vital water sources, they also contribute to repression and community tensions. These mines operate without community consent and Goldcorp has not properly addressed community health problems. National and international law requires that governments consult with, and acquire, the consent of communities who will be affected by economic enterprises like mining, but this is not happening in Central America. This systemic industry issue is unknown to many U.S. and Canadian citizens, as many North American investment firms and pension funds are invested in Goldcorp.
“Central America: Winners and losers in the global mining industry” Russell, Grahame Upside Down World, July 2008
“Goldcorp Inc. mining company in Honduras – health and environmental harms” Russell, Grahame, CDHAL.org October 26-31, 2008,
“The mining debate: Who is “anti”-what?” Karen Spring, Rights Action. September 2008,
http://www.rightsaction.org/articles/Mining_debate_100708.html