Canadian mining company spied on opponents and activists in Brazil
Canadian mining company spied on opponents and activists in Brazil
Mining company Kinross’s ambitions to create most productive gold mine in Brazil plagued by health risks and threats to activists and opponents
Heriberto Araújo and Anna Veciana in Paracatu, Brazil
Wednesday 13 May 2015 06.39 EDT
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Dozens of documents and internal emails seen by The Guardian show that in 2012 and 2013 Kinross had a policy in Paracatu of regularly monitoring potential opponents, including the former mayor Almir Paraca – known for being outspoken against the mine – and several union leaders.
“They monitor social movements, politicians, neighbourhood associations and their representatives, environmental activists, union leaders... They even monitor what some Kinross’s employees do at their free time. The main goal is to hide or repress any action, demonstration or reference against the mining company or their interests”, said one of the sources, knowledgeable of Kinross’ policies because of his/her former post at the company.
And at least two local activists – Rafaela Xavier Luiz and Evane Lopes - have had to leave the city in recent months after they received death threats, which they argue were linked to their opposition to the mine.
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/may/13/canadian-mining-company-spied-on-opponents-and-activists-in-brazil