A question has arisen concerning a mining development
program of the Hecla Mining Company (Canadian) development
of a open-pit gold mining at La Cholla near Quitovac in NW
Sorona Mexico. This area is on ejido land owned and occupied
by HIA-CED O'ODAM. The land is 30 miles south of the Mexico-
Arizona border. The mining development area is located
within 5 miles of Quitovac, a traditional indigenous area
where annual O'Odam ceremonies are held. Quitovac is
location of the first community established by the Creator.
These ceremonies require botantic and water resources
(springs) located near the community. This area is the
richest area of biodiversity in this part of the Greater
Arizona-Sonoran desert.
It appears that Hecla purchased the mineral rights from the
Mexican government in May of 1992. In the same month, Hecla
signed a lease with certain members of the community to
"occupy the superficial lands of the community necessary to
bring about their exploitation and to install the processing
plant (using cyanide).
There is considerable concern that the exploitation of this
mine may threaten the sacred sites, including the botanical
and water resources necessary for the ceremonies.
The HIA-CED representatives have requested the MRD network
members assist them in answering the following questions.
Under the new ejido law, who is authorized to sign such
leases in for an ejido? If representatives can sign, what
type of authorization is necessary from the community?
Which agencies of the Mexican government, if any, must
countersign or approve of such an agreement. Does INI have
any legal responsibilities/obligations since indigenous
communities are involved?
Are there any special provisions in the regulations
concerning mining? environmental protection?
If INAH was willing to make Quitovac into an archaeological
zone, what rights would the O'Odham have to their ceremonial
sites? Is this a feasible alternative?