Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Peasants Tested for Toxins from Mining

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TEGUCIGLPA, Aug 11 2007 (IPS) - Thirty health experts finished tests of 62 inhabitants from El Pedernal, a village in the central Honduran valley of Siria, to determine if they have high levels of cyanide, lead, arsenic and mercury from mining operations nearby. Those affected filed a complaint last year for health damages from the activities of Entre Mares mining company, a subsidiary of Glamis Gold, which has been working the valley for the last five years, Environment Secretary Daniela Sabillón told Tierramérica.

“The tests will be sent to a laboratory in Colombia, to obtain a complete and reliable report by the end of the year about the situation of the Siria Valley residents,” located 120 kilometers from Tegucigalpa, she said.