Jed Koball, a PC(USA) mission co-worker in Peru who works with the Joining Hands Network sent the following email on behalf of Mesa de Dialogo, Mesa Tecnica, and MOSAO (Movement for the Health of the People of La Oroya).
Please take 3 minutes to fill out the 5 question survey about La Oroya before Monday, June 21.
For further information about La Oroya, read this previous blog post.
La Oroya is one of the ten most contaminated cities in the world (according to Blacksmith Institute), and among those ten it is the only active industrial site. The population finds itself gravely effected by the contamination produced by the Metallurgical Complex operated by the mining company Doe Run Peru. This company belongs to the North American billionaire, Ira Rennert. Thirteen years ago the company committed itself to investing in the modernization of the metallurgical complex through the state mandated Environmental Clean-Up Program (known in Peru as the PAMA). To date, the company has not finished its commitment despite the fact that the mandated time frame has expired and despite that various extensions have been provided over the course of 13 years.
In the United States, the holding company, Renco Group, for Doe Run Peru has invested in new technologies at its smelter in Herculaneum, Missouri in order to meet the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States (www.doerun.com). We know it is capable of meeting the same demands here in Peru.
After many years of economic profit (the net gains of Doe Run Peru by the end of 2008 were $508 million – La Republica 28/03/2009), the mining company inexplicably declared itself in a state of economic and financial crisis. In June of 2009, it then halted the operations of the Metallurgical Complex in La Oroya, ceasing to fulfill its contracted obligations with its workers and creditors, as well as the state and people of La Oroya. In the face of this situation, the Peruvian State has tried to help the company through various opportunities to escape this crisis. Nonetheless, the company has taken advantage of the state in order to escape its responsibilities. And today, the re-start up of the plant comes with conditions made by Doe Run Peru, which has placed new demands before the State.
IF the Peruvian State consulted with you about these demands by Doe Run Peru, what would you say?
Please take 3 minutes to fill out THIS SURVEY.
THANK YOU!