SOS for the Galicia's native forests: No opencast mining in Pico Vello
Since 21.06.10 1478 people have participated in this protest action.
Oposition to the mining project
Environmental organisations in Galicia have joined forces to demand the preservation of Pico Vello, where the mine is planned and to stop to construction of the mine. In spite of the opposition of social networks and local councils affected by the plans, the Galician Administration has not so far assumed their legal obligation to protect the environment. They prefer to back the economic interests of the mining company, which hopes to receive 6.3 million Euros of public money.
The few jobs which would be generated by the company, Picobello Andalucita S.L., do not justify the destruction of this area of immense beauty and ecological importance, not to mention the risk to the health of the population caused by freshwater pollution.
Picobello Andalucita S.L. plans for mining andalusite in the As Pontes region were publicly released by the government of Galicia in March 2005. Andalusite is a mineral used in the construction of industrial ovens for the chemical and other industries.
The project was rejected in September 2006 due to the fact that the mine would have invaded the Fragas do Eume National Park . Months later, the company submitted a new proposal, reducing the size of the project and moving the site a mere 50 metres away from the National Park. This distance is not enough to prevent pollution from dust, noise and air emissions, which no doubt will ultimately affect not only the protected areas but also the surrounding homes. Astoundingly the project was approved in February 2010.
The environmental risk posed by the first application persist. Mining would destroy the source of the River Belelle. This does not comply with the legislation on mining, which forbids such activities within a 100 metre distance from fresh water springs. Nor does it observe the principle of prioritising water supplies to local people.
Moreover, the suggested site for dumping waste is located on the abundant River Eume, which is the main source of freshwater and thus life in the Natural Park. Air emissions, dust and noise would further jeopardise the life of this river .
The same site boasts 25 hectares of native forest , which would be devastated. This type of forest or Fraga represents a small sanctuary for biodiversity in Galicia. The number and extent of such forests are greatly threatened by the spread of foreign species such as the eucalyptus and by large infrastructure projects. The Galician Administration has chosen to ignore the fact that place close to Pico Vello has been included in the proposed extension of the Natura 2000 network, though surprisingly not Pico Vello itself.
The environmental organisations have already submitted a formal complaint against irregularities in the concession of mining projects to the Environmental Judicial Body.
Please support the call of environmentalists in Galicia and send a letter to the Galician Administration expressing your concerns about and rejection of such a destructive development.
