Mining Pits Communities Against Each Other on the Mayo River in Peru and Ecuador

The article addresses the issue of illegal mining in Namballe in Peru and Zumba in Ecuador. It highlights its social, economic, and environmental impact. The community in Nambelle, for example, is divided between those who rely on unlawful mining for their livelihood and those who oppose it due to the contamination and destruction of farmland. The so-called peasant patrols act as environmental defenders, confronting the miners and generating an atmosphere of confrontation and violence.

In Ecuador, in the Zumba region, illegal mining is also prevalent, where improvised camps can be found, and mercury is used to extract gold, all activities that have significantly contaminated the environment. Despite efforts made by the government to control such activity, the effectiveness of the operations is limited due to corruption and the miners´ anticipation of action controls.

In Zumba, the community is not as opposed to mining activities as it is a crucial source of income, although they also suffer from adverse effects such as water contamination. Unlawful mining operations in both regions have increased, especially during the pandemic, with machinery and supplies smuggled in from Ecuador.

The article highlights the communities' struggle to protect their land and natural resources and the lack of adequate responses from the authorities. The situation affects both the environment and the security and quality of life of the inhabitants of these areas. The article concludes by stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to address illegal mining in both regions, combining legal measures, law enforcement and sustainable development strategies to protect natural resources and improve the living conditions of affected communities.
 

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This story was produced with support from Internews' Earth Journalism Network. It was first published in Servindi on July 3, 2024. It has been translated to English and lightly edited for length and clarity.

Banner image: Mining fields like this are common in Ecuador and Peru / Credit: Cristian Rodríguez.