Response of Blackfire Exploration to allegations of human rights abuses in connection with its mine in Chiapas, Mexico
Blackfire Exploration Ltd. has been operating in Chiapas for 3 years...There are no chemicals used in our operation and no ore that leaches chemicals are mined. Drinking water is not used in the mining of Barite...In late 2009, the State Government of Chiapas..[w]ith Mexican federal authorities...spent three days at the mine and did not find any environmental infractions...In regards to the death of Mariano Abarca, Blackfire Exploration was not in any way involved and has never been implicated by law enforcement...Regarding allegations of bribery, Blackfire Exploration has never provided inappropriate funds to a Mexican official…[and] never sought nor obtained any benefit or service from the mayor or any other official…