Located in the Arequipa region in Peru, near the Tambo valley & coastal desert. Home to significant biodiversity & unique ecosystems: Lomas formations & nearby protected areas. Around 25,000 people, mostly farmers living peacefully with their surroundings.

2/n

The mine is a controversial proposal to be built, by Southern Copper Corporation (SCC) from the USA and owned by Grupo Minero Mexico the second largest copper producer in the world. There has been oposition from local population for 20 years.

3/n

SCC has a dark past with the worst mining explosion in Mexico and the most critical ecocide with toxic spill in Sonora River Mexico. Tía Maria plans an investment estimated $1,5M. The very high profit margins would not occur if Tia Maria included explicit and implicit subsidies.

4/n

The mine project entails:
- A 100km high tension power line
- Desalinisation of sea water requiring to pump it 1,000 meters above sea level
- Toxic waste water will be accumulated in lagoons above the town and the Tambo valley

5/n

#Copper is 100% #recyclable without loss of quality, but only about one-third of global demand is met through recycling. Recycling copper saves up to 85-90% of the energy required for mining & refining virgin ore, making it a more sustainable alternative.

6/n

Why can’t the Southern Copper Corporation focus on doing something good for the planet? Stop unecessary mining & RECYCLE BABY RECYCLE! If individuals can do it, then so can big corporations ;)

7/n

But #Democracy, right? RIGHT? No! People are ignored: and killed.

The mining project has seen consistent opposition from the local people of the Islay Province. In previous consultations, 80 percent opposed the project.

7 people were killed in the struggle to stop the Tía María mine.

8/n

#PowerToThePeople

Over the years there is no social approval of the mine because of the heavy labour suffering and environmental pollution liabilities. Furthermore, water needs to be pumped from the precious agriculture valley that has supported the population for centuries.

9/n

The population of Peru is largely indigenous, who have a relationship with their land for millenia. These local communities face severe health risks from these extractivist practices and see very little benefits.

10/13

The marginalization and abuse of the native populations in Peru can be traced back to Spanish quest for silver and mercury in the sixteenth century. Colonialism also led to the establishment of institutions designed to extract all excess income for the invading Spaniards.

11/13

Why are transnational corporations allowed to perpetuate this violent system of extractivist oppression against Peruvians? The Tía Maria mine is another example of profit going to just a few, implying death for many...

12/13