Anti-mining protest erupts, Gautemala declares emergency in four municipalities

GUATEMALA CITY (Scrap Monster) : The Central American country of Gautemala has declared a state of emergency in four of its municipalities after the anti-mining protests turned deadly killing two and injuring many.

The series of incidents leading to declaration of emergency started weeks back with demonstrations against the proposed Escobal silver mine adjacent to the town of San Rafael Las Flores by the Vancouver based miner-Tahoe Resources Inc. The various environmental groups and the local community had earlier expressed fears that the mine would lead to ecological imbalances and would drain and pollute the rich water resources of the region.

The Tahoe security personnel are reported to have shot and wounded several protestors. There were massive protests by demonstrators following this incident. The protestors kidnapped police officers. The police resorted to fire when the encounter to free the hostages turned violent, killing a demonstrator and a police person.

The string of incidents led the Central American country to declare a state of emergency in four of its surrounding towns for 30 days. The state of emergency allows police to make detentions, conduct searches and question suspects. It further prevents public from gathering in groups and keeping possession of arms.

The Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina said the declaration of emergency was the last alternative before the Government to suppress the violent outbursts. The Tahoe spokesperson however claimed that the company security had resorted only to rubber bullet firing and is not responsible for any casualty.

The Escobal project is a high-grade silver deposit discovered in 2007 located in Southeast Guatemala. The Canadian miner had received mine operating permit early April with commercial production expected to commence in early 2014.