Equinox Gold response
...Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your inquiry regarding our Los Filos Mine in Guerrero State, Mexico.
Los Filos has both land use and community social collaboration agreements in place with three nearby communities. Mining activities at the Los Filos Mine have been suspended since September 3, 2020 as the result of a blockade by members of one of the communities. The mine remains staffed with a reduced workforce to maintain necessary safety, security and environmental systems.
Los Filos and company representatives have met with the community leaders to listen to their concerns, and understand there may be clauses in the community social collaboration agreement that have not been implemented to the community’s satisfaction.
Los Filos takes its environmental, health and safety and social obligations seriously. Los Filos values its community relationships and is committed to working with the community leaders to better understand and address their concerns. The Los Filos mine employs 1,950 people and uses more than 130 local businesses to support mine activities. Los Filos makes annual land use payments and invests significantly in local infrastructure, health care, education, culture and community programs as well as providing support for disadvantaged and vulnerable families. We seek to resolve the current situation so the mine can continue to fund economic growth in the region and bring long-term benefits to its workforce, contractors, local businesses and community partners.
We remain convinced that dialogue is the best way to resolve disagreements and hope to continue our discussions in the spirit of trust and collaboration, working together to find a long-term solution to the benefit of all stakeholders...