9.20.2004 ET

(CSRwire) Peruvian communities impacted by the largest gold mine in Latin America, Yanacocha, were victorious last night when Peru's government agreed to in effect, cancel the Denver-based Newmont Mining Corporation's permit for further exploration of Mount Quilish.

"These events confirm that mining exploration should not happen until trust with local communities has been established and community consent obtained," stated Keith Slack, Oxfam America's Senior Policy Advisor for Extractive Industries.

For the past several weeks thousands of local residents have been protesting the proposed expansion of Newmont's Yanacocha gold mine in Cajamarca. The situation was extremely tense, with local residents taking control of Mount Quilish and roads leading to the mine. Demonstrations of 10,000 people or more have taken place in Cajamarca's town square. As a result, Newmont had suspended exploration of the site two weeks ago.

Newmont, the Peruvian government and local communities will engage in dialogue to attempt to resolve ongoing community concerns and discuss a plan for conducting an independent assessment of the potential environmental impacts of mining on Mount Quilish.

"Oxfam America supports communities affected by mining around the world and promotes constructive debate and dialogue about mining issues in Peru and other countries," Slack said. "We are not opposed to mining investment in Peru or any other country. We do support reform of the global mining industry so that it demonstrates greater respect for the human rights of communities affected by mining operations."

For more information or for an interview with Keith Slack, contact Helen DaSilva at (617) 728-2409 or hdasilva@oxfamamerica.org.

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