Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Contamination from Mine Confirmed

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

TEGUCIGALPA, Feb 10 2007 (IPS) - Contamination of the main source of potable water for the Honduran town of Valle de Angeles, 20 minutes from the capital, is the result of waste found at the mouth of a mine that was shut down 50 years ago, according to CESSCO, a contamination control and research center. CESSCO expert Danelia Sabillón told Tierramérica that the samples tested were taken from one of the openings of a mine operated by the transnational Rosario Mining Company, which is now working a mine in the western Honduran department of Santa Bárbara.

The contamination comes from a high concentration of iron, aluminum and acids, which have caused skin, stomach and respiratory ailments among the residents of Valle de Angeles.

The authorities prohibited consumption of water from the source, after the residents' complaints were made public in the local press two weeks ago.