Soon after, the company Meridian Gold proposed a new gold mining project, which would be the first in the region. A group of concerned neighbors came together, and led by science professors at the local university, began to research what this project would entail. They became increasingly worried as they read about the large risks of the proposed open-pit mining project, including severely contaminated water and soil.
This group of neighbors, who became known as the Vecinos Autoconvocados de Esquel, organized informational sessions about the risks of mining and went door to door handing out pamphlets. They also organized marches and gatherings in the streets. Meanwhile, the mining company held its own sessions and distributed its own pamphlets. The company’s main argument for introducing mining was that it would provide jobs to local people. The neighbors argued that these jobs would only be short-term, and that the vast majority of the money would leave the community in the hands of the foreign company and its non-local workers.
In March 2003, a plebiscite (direct vote) took place in Esquel on whether or not the mining project would continue forward. Over 80% of Esquelenses voted no, a shocking defeat to the mining company. People spent days out in the street celebrating, sharing food and song, and appreciating the natural beauty that they had fought to protect.
This year, in March 2023, the No a la Mina movement celebrated its 20th anniversary. I was able to attend the celebrations! It was very powerful to hear the testimonies of people who had been a part of the original movement, and see the young people carrying the movement forward.
