A Vancouver group delivered a petition with over 6,000 signatures on Thursday, urging Pan American Silver (NYSE, TSX: PAAS) to respect the Xinka Indigenous people’s opposition to the reopening of the Escobal silver mine in Guatemala. This petition follows a statement from the Xinka Parliament in May, which reiterated their denial of consent for the mine’s restart, citing risks to their water, culture, and territory.
The Escobal mine, previously owned by Tahoe Resources, was suspended in 2017 after producing 20 million oz. of silver annually, with significant proven reserves estimated at 264.5 million oz. of metal. While Pan American Silver wishes to resume operations, it is currently involved in a government-led consultation process under International Labour Organization Convention 169, with no timeline for potential resumption provided.
The Xinka Parliament’s spokesperson, Marta Muñoz, stated that continuing the project would jeopardize their community’s existence. Activist Angus Wong emphasized that this is not the first instance of community members having to advocate in person against Pan American Silver’s actions regarding the mine.
