Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Indonesia: Halt Mining that Threatens Indigenous Peoples


Comment:  Mining corporations ruin people lives all over the world!

January 25, 2010 No Comments 1,141 views 5 shares

The Manggarai, Leragere and Kedang Indigenous peoples are calling on the government of Indonesia to halt all mining in East Nusa Province and conduct a genuine consultation process with communities affected by any ongoing and proposed mining projects.

One of these projects, a gold mine in Lembata, threatens to displace and severely undermine the livelihoods of up to 60,000 people.

As well, there is at least one Manggarai community suffering from a nearby Manganese mine. As Cultural Survival explains (below), miners have "dumped rocks and tailings" on lands used by the Manggarai for food and commercial purposes. "Fish from the nearly ocean are [also] no longer safe to eat."

Used to make stainless steel, manganese can be extremely dangerous to humans. It is closely linked to Parkinson's disease and it causes an array of health problems, including acute bronchitis, liver and kidney problems and neurological degeneration. All these problems are found in the community.

However, the Indigenous Peoples want to keep these resources in the ground for future generations.

What You Can Do

Cultural Survival has started a campaign on behalf of the Manggarai, Leragere and Kedang, who are asking for the international community's support.

Sample letter and Contacts: http://www.culturalsurvival.org/take-action/indonesia-campaign/indonesia-campaign-sample-letter
Youth Action Alert: http://www.culturalsurvival.org/take-action/indonesia-campaign/youth-action
More Information: http://www.culturalsurvival.org/take-action/indonesia-campaign/indonesia-campaign-background