Lab3 Environmental Issues
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University of Calgary *
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Course
352
Subject
Geography
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by ChiefTigerMaster985
Geography 352 Lab 3
Environmental Issues
: A Video Case Study of Yanacocha mine Peru
Aim:
This lab is designed to give you a visual picture of the struggle of the people of
Cajamarca, Peru who suffer from ongoing environmental issues, land expropriation,
political violence and human rights violations resulting from mining operations. Watch
the video case study: “The Price of Gold” parts 1, 2, and 3, and make sure you take notes
so that you are ready to answer your assignment. After the end of the video, you will be
given some time to read the attached supplementary information (and PDF files) and to
start your assignment. You have a choice from two assignments – you are required only
to complete one of them!
Learning Objectives:
By the completion of this lab, you will be able to:
Understand the story of the Yanacocha mine in Cajamarca Peru and apply it to situations elsewhere in the World.
Identify how community resistance can affect change.
Explain the influence of power wielded by multinational companies.
Materials:
the lab posted on D2L
background material posted on D2L
Readings & Sources:
‘The Price of Gold’ Parts 1, 2, and 3:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68rCMJhBhOQ
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74KysLIaCkM
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGm-krMz9E8
Rubenstein, J.M. (2020) The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography
. New York: Prentice Hill.
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Environmental Issues
: A Video Case Study of Yanacocha mine in Peru
Assignment 1
In the PDF file: ‘Mercury Spill Update’, we are told that the US law firm representing over
1,000 mercury spill victims has won a court case in Choropampa, where a similar gold
mine contaminated their region from a mercury spill.
You have been employed by the US law firm as a community research assistant
representing the people of the Cajamarca region over the impacts of cyanide and other
pollutants on the environment and people’s livelihood and health. The suit will also
address the intimidation of the mine company over land appropriation, rerouting water
supply, and the cutting off of transportation routes. In preparation for the legal suit, it is
your role to prepare a 500-word report that:
(a) Summarizes the impact of cyanide and other pollutants released by the
Yanacocha mine on the environment, and the health and livelihood of the peoples
of the Cajamarca region (15 marks).
b) Summarize how lessons learned from the Choropampa mine incident and legal
case could be applied to the case you are making against the Yanacocha mine
company. (15 marks) Assignment 1:
The Yanacocha mine is one of the largest gold mines in the world, located in the
Cajamarca region of Peru. This report summarizes the impact of cyanide and other
pollutants released by the Yanacocha mine on the environment, health, and
livelihood of the peoples of the Cajamarca region
The use of cyanide in mining has resulted in the contamination of nearby soil and
streams as well as the release of hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. Since that
many locals depend on agricultural and animal production as a source of income, this
has had a significant impact on their health and way of life. The region's fish
populations have suffered greatly as a result of the waterway contamination, further
harming the livelihoods of the region's fishermen and women. Deforestation and
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habitat damage brought on by the mine's operations have also resulted in the
displacement of species. The Yanacocha mine has also had a significant impact on the
Cajamarca region's livelihood. The mine has taken over land, rerouted water sources,
and cut off transportation routes, all of which have a negative impact on local
economies and communities' ability to sustain themselves. The mine's pollution has
also had an impact on agricultural practices, reducing crop yields and limiting access
to clean water sources for irrigation and livestock.
Furthermore, as a result of the mine's operations, the residents of the Cajamarca
region have reported a wide range of health issues, including skin rashes, respiratory
issues, and neurological diseases. An increase in cancer rates has also been connected
to the tainted local water supplies which contain toxic chemicals like cyanide, heavy
metals, and other pollutants.
The Choropampa mine incident and subsequent legal case can provide important
lessons for the case against the Yanacocha mine company. One of the key lessons is
the importance of holding mining companies accountable for their actions and
ensuring that they are held responsible for any harm caused. The Choropampa case
also highlights the importance of community involvement in the legal process. It is
possible to better understand the impact of mining on the environment, people's
health, and livelihoods by involving the community and ensuring that their voices are
heard. Another important lesson is the importance of comprehensive environmental
and health monitoring. This can aid in identifying potential mining-related harms and
ensuring that appropriate action is taken to mitigate these harms. Finally, the
Choropampa case emphasizes the value of collaboration between legal teams and
local organizations, such as environmental and social justice organizations. By
working together, it is possible to better understand the impacts of mining and
ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the Yanacocha mine's activities have caused significant environmental
damage and adversely affected the health and livelihood of the people in the
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Cajamarca region. Applying the lessons learned from the Choropampa incident can
strengthen the case against the Yanacocha mine company, and provide a basis for
justice and environmental protection.
OR
Assignment 2
Letter campaigns can be an effective lobbying tool. You have been asked by the Mayor of
Cajamarca to organize a letter-writing campaign to raise awareness of the plight of their
people. You should complete the following tasks:
(a)
Draft an outline letter which will be used in the letter-writing campaign. This letter
should be clear and succinct. It should present the facts in a way that is convincing
and compelling, but which avoids being overly emotive. It should be
approximately 300 words in length (20 marks).
(b)
Design a strategy for the best possible and most effective use of your letter. Think
about how the letter could be distributed and to whom. The strategy should be no
longer than 200 words in length (10 marks).
End of Lab
Score = /30
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