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Flotilla of local boats accompanies Greenpeace ship Esperanza on protest against pollution caused by Layayette mine on Rapu Rapu Island, Philippines.
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The Esperanza sailed into Rapu-Rapu Island accompanied by villagers
from the provinces of Sorsogon and Albay on board some 70 bancas (traditional outrigger boats) bearing banners saying "Stop Lafayette" and "ABN-Amro, ANZ Stop Funding Marine Pollution". Dutch bank ABN-Amro, one of the world's biggest financial institutions, and Australian bank ANZ are providing financial backing for the mining operations. This is despite the fact that both banks have policies in place which are supposed to prevent them from investing in socially and environmentally irresponsible projects.
Our Toxics Campaigner Beau Baconguis said, "People rely on the rich marine ecosystem for food and income and have already suffered from continuous toxic contamination from the Lafayette mine."
Late last year, Lafayette was ordered to stop its mining operations after it twice released cyanide and other contaminants into the environment, resulting in massive fish kills. Subsequent investigations carried out by a Presidential Fact-Finding Commission revealed that not only had Lafayette been operating the mine beyond its capacity but that it had been doing so even before it completed the construction of barriers designed to prevent contamination reaching the sea.
The Philippine government then granted the company a licence for a 30-
day test run of the mine. During the test run, several toxic leaks occurred. Residents have since reported more fish kills in the creeks leading out from the mine into Albay Gulf.
"The reopening of Lafayette mine has started the clock for another disaster in our marine ecosystem. Lafayette mine must be closed for good," Beau added.
The pristine waters, seagrass beds and mangroves of Albay Gulf create an exceptionally rich fishing ground for fishermen. Dolphins, sea turtles, egrets, and purple herons are frequently sighted in these waters. Five of the seven marine turtles in the world are found in the Albay Gulf, while the eastern coast, including Rapu Rapu, is a migration path for whale sharks. The Lafayette mine threatens the survival of all of these species.
"The Arroyo government's support for the mining operation makes it
part of the problem and not the solution," said Baconguis. "Rather
than serve the interests of mining corporations the government must
act on behalf of the 30 million Filipinos who rely on our rich marine
environment for food and livelihoods."
from the provinces of Sorsogon and Albay on board some 70 bancas (traditional outrigger boats) bearing banners saying "Stop Lafayette" and "ABN-Amro, ANZ Stop Funding Marine Pollution". Dutch bank ABN-Amro, one of the world's biggest financial institutions, and Australian bank ANZ are providing financial backing for the mining operations. This is despite the fact that both banks have policies in place which are supposed to prevent them from investing in socially and environmentally irresponsible projects.
Our Toxics Campaigner Beau Baconguis said, "People rely on the rich marine ecosystem for food and income and have already suffered from continuous toxic contamination from the Lafayette mine."
Rapu Rapu - Countdown to an environmental disaster
Late last year, Lafayette was ordered to stop its mining operations after it twice released cyanide and other contaminants into the environment, resulting in massive fish kills. Subsequent investigations carried out by a Presidential Fact-Finding Commission revealed that not only had Lafayette been operating the mine beyond its capacity but that it had been doing so even before it completed the construction of barriers designed to prevent contamination reaching the sea.
The Philippine government then granted the company a licence for a 30-
day test run of the mine. During the test run, several toxic leaks occurred. Residents have since reported more fish kills in the creeks leading out from the mine into Albay Gulf.
"The reopening of Lafayette mine has started the clock for another disaster in our marine ecosystem. Lafayette mine must be closed for good," Beau added.
The pristine waters, seagrass beds and mangroves of Albay Gulf create an exceptionally rich fishing ground for fishermen. Dolphins, sea turtles, egrets, and purple herons are frequently sighted in these waters. Five of the seven marine turtles in the world are found in the Albay Gulf, while the eastern coast, including Rapu Rapu, is a migration path for whale sharks. The Lafayette mine threatens the survival of all of these species.
"The Arroyo government's support for the mining operation makes it
part of the problem and not the solution," said Baconguis. "Rather
than serve the interests of mining corporations the government must
act on behalf of the 30 million Filipinos who rely on our rich marine
environment for food and livelihoods."
Read more about the Lafayette mine
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