Amazonian delegation visits Tyrone to warn of goldmine impact

MEMBERS of the local campaign group, Save Our Sperrins (SOS), recently welcomed indigenous and traditional community leaders from South America’s Amazon rainforest to the Sperrin mountains.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss the potential environmental impact of gold mining on the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The group from the Munduruku and Kayapo territories, along with representatives from the Lower Trombetas region, brought with them a wealth of experience in combating resource extraction in their own ancestral homesteads.

They have have been protesting against bauxite mining taking place in the lands and forests where they have lived for generations.

On Sunday morning, the indigenous visitors paid a visit to the Beaghmore Stone Circles just outside Cookstown where they learnt about the ancient history of the area.

The tour of the ancient site was hosted by Cllr Sean Clarke who highlighted the ‘similar difficulties’ faced by the Brazilian contingent and local people campaigning against plans for a goldmine near Greencastle.

Speaking with the UH, he said, “These people came all the way from Brazil to see what we are facing in this part of the world.

“They are facing similar issues which are affecting their land, their livelihoods and their way of living.

“People, no matter where you meet them, can share common struggles. But we are all the same, and opportunities such as today’s gathering can help make a connection.”

Also in attendance was Brian Garvey, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Labour, Employment and Organization at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

He is also co-founder of the Centre of the Political Economy of Labour UK, and is further actively involved in research projects with partners in the Brazilian Amazon.

“The situation for many people in the Brazilian Amazon isn’t that dissimilar to the issues here in the Sperrins.

“Our friends from the Amazon were very keen to visit Ireland and were quite shocked and surprised that there are so many mining concessions being talked about in the country.

“This visit is really important for them to meet people who share a common goal – to save the Sperrins!

“Today’s visit to the Stone Circles was important in helping them understand the history of the area, allowing them a better insight into our roots and why we care so much about protecting the land.”

Dalradian, the Canadian company that has lodged an application to build the goldmine and processing plant outside Greencastle, has maintained that it will be subject to strict safety regulations, and will transform the economy of the area.

However, Save Our Sperrins chair, Fidelma O’Kane, said that the visit highlighted the ‘growing awareness’ of global issues caused by mining.

She added, “In this time of climate and ecological crisis, the forests of the Amazon and the bogs of Ireland are invaluable carbon stores and must be afforded greater protection.”

During their visit, the Amazonian groups also engaged in discussions at the An Creagán Visitor Centre after viewing a screening of ‘The Ailing Forest’.