Protecting Rights Around La India Mining Project, Nicaragua

CIEL supports the Community Movement of Santa Cruz de la India and those impacted by Condor Gold’s mining project in Santa Cruz de La India, Nicaragua. In collaboration with a coalition of Nicaraguan communities and organizations, we have filed a complaint challenging the International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s investment in the mining project.

If constructed, the La India gold mine project in Nicaragua, owned by UK-based Condor Gold, would have devastating environmental and human rights. The project threatens to destroy local ecosystems, limit access to freshwater in communities already suffering from water shortages, force the relocation of local communities, and impact the livelihoods of many in the area who rely on artisanal mining as a source of income. With the mining project currently in the exploration phase, Condor Gold holds several mining concessions and permits from the Nicaraguan government

However, community members claim that the mining project is moving forward without the proper consultation with local communities. The mine project is highly unpopular among residents, with 96% of families opposed to the project, according to a survey of hundreds of families carried out by the Community Movement of Santa Cruz de la India.

Since mining exploration began in 2011, local residents have been subject to escalating criminalization, harassment, surveillance, and threats. In 2017, Condor Gold accused seven residents of aggravated damage — a criminal charge — before Nicaraguan courts. While the court initially admitted the charges in spite of a lack of evidence, they were eventually dropped. Organizations supporting the communities in Santa Cruz de la India have also been the target of criminal charges and other threats. In mid-December 2018, the government removed their legal right to exist, and police conducted violent search and seizure of their offices and property.

The Community Movement of Santa Cruz de la India, Centro Alexander Von Humboldt, and Centro Nicaragüense de Derechos Humanos (CENIDH) are working with CIEL to bring their concerns to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the independent accountability mechanism of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Local residents have asked the CAO to investigate whether the IFC’s financial investment in the project has violated the IFC’s own social and environmental standards on transparency, access to information, consultation, and environmental and social impact assessment of the mining project. They have requested that the IFC stop financing the project given its potential environmental and social impacts and the current situation of insecurity they face in Nicaragua.

CIEL is working closely with Nicaraguan partners to follow their situation and provide them with support as the threats against environmental defenders and organizations continue to escalate.

Last updated December 2018