Mexico: Equinox Gold accused of criminalization and imposition of mining project in Carrizalillo
The Network of people affected by mining in Mexico has stated that in Canadian mining company, Equinox Gold, took control of the Los Filos mine at the beginning of 2020 and since then has been unable to maintain a respectful relationship with the community, which has meant that the community land owners of Carrizalillo have decided to break the agreement they signed in 2019 that should have lasted for 6 years.
People resisting the mining activity of Equinox Gold, which impacts the Carrizalillo ejido, have reported the imposition of the project, bad faith in negotiations, as well as threats and criminalization. They have also highlighted health damages to the communities caused by the company’s actions.
The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre contacted Equinox Gold to respond to these allegations; the response can be found below. The Ejido de Carrizalillo has provided rejoinders to the responses by the company, and Equinox Gold has responded to those rejoinders. All can be found published below.