Communal Landowners Reject Excellon Resources Offer to Purchase Land for La Platosa Mine in Mexico
Silver Mine's Future Uncertain
MEXICO CITY, July 29, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ejido La Sierrita de Galeana, a group of communal landowners in Tlahualilo, Durango, has again communicated to Canadian mining company Excellon Resources Inc. that its land is not for sale or for rent. The decision to re-affirm the stance of the ejidatarios was taken by the General Assembly of the Ejido La Sierrita on July 21.
In the most recent court hearings in the lawsuit for the rescission of the land rental contract for the 1,100 hectares being leased to Excellon, the company offered to purchase 10 hectares as a means to end the conflict.
"In light of the Ejido's repeated articulations of its absolute determination to recover its land and to sever all ties with Excellon, it is clear that this offer is aimed at prolonging the legal proceedings in an attempt to weaken the resolve of the ejidatarios," stated Alejandra Ancheita, Executive Director of the Proyecto de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales (ProDESC).
The Ejido decided to end its relationship with Excellon after it became clear the company had no intention of resolving this long-running dispute in an equitable manner through dialogue. After repeated failed attempts to resolve the conflict, the Ejido decided to begin a permanent peaceful protest near the entrance to the mining site in July 2012. Armed members of the public security forces intimidated the protesters on several occasions, before the protest was violently broken up by armed thugs, who witnesses say were following the orders of Robert Moore, Excellon's Director of Operations, in October 2012.
As a result of Excellon's refusal to abide by the land rental contract and to repair damages that have been caused by its actions, as well as the use of violence against peaceful protestors, the Ejido is resolute in its decision to recuperate its lands as an act of dignity.
"It is hoped that Excellon will comply with its obligation to inform its shareholders of this decision and the potential impact it could have on the operation of the La Platosa mine," said Ancheita.
SOURCE: ProDESC
For further information:
Matthew McEvoy, Transnational Justice Section, ProDESC (Proyecto de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales), Tel: (+52) 55 5212-2230, 5212-2229, [email protected]
La Sierrita de Galeana Letter in English
Carta de la La Sierrita de Galeana
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