The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Chile fights to save the communities of Huasco Valley

March 27, 2009

Two decades ago, when gold, silver, copper and other metals were discovered in the Atacama region of the high Andes, a number of huge mining projects were swiftly developed. Two of these, the Pascua Lama Project of the Canadian mine company Barrick Gold and the Morro Project of the Swiss company Xstrata, will start working soon. 

These projects threaten the sources of water of the Huasco Valley. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Chile, IEPC, asks for prayer and support in their call for protection of the glaciers from poisoning. These glaciers water the valley and provide fresh water to a million people, who are traditionally dedicated to agriculture, small-scale mining, not-metal mining and tourism. For many years, these activities have provided a sustainable economy, but they depend on the waters from the glaciers.

The IEPC has seen the impact that large-scale mining has had on other communities. They have witnessed similar projects cause disastrous contamination in Chanaral and Copiapo, where it is projected that there will be no more potable water in five or six years.

After participating in discussions with the government and many other attempts to change or stop this situation in a peaceful way, the church realized that the government had been working closely with investors in these projects. As a response, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Chiguinto created a Committee on the Environment to raise the church’s voice against this unjust situation. Members of the committee have lifted up a text from James — “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (4:17) — in their campaign to educate the public about the dangers the mining projects pose to the community.

Chile

Barrick Gold Corporation of Canada plans to open the Pascua Lama mine in the Andes Mountains on the border between Chile and Argentina. The Presbyterian Evangelical Church in Chile (IEPC) and its covenant partner, the Presbytery of the Pines, are concerned that Barrick may use antiquated methods of metal extraction. They involve cyanide, which can spoil the water for human consumption and agricultural use.

The church in Chiguinto asks for prayer and support in their call for safer mining practices and protection of the glaciers from poisoning. These glaciers water their valley and provide fresh drinking water to a million people en route to the Pacific Ocean.

The Rev. Manuel Gajardo, synod moderator of the IEPC, said, “The situation is contrary to our confession of faith and requires our raised voices in alert, our action of care and stewardship, and obedience to our called ministry. Conditions have not been met that respect the dignity of creation. In modern Chile, we have to consider those who desire to develop our national resources commercially along with the rights of everyone in the affected region. Public authorities have the duty to ensure that all Chileans live without the risk of a toxic future.”