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Bishops from Peru, Bolivia, and the United States participated in a dynamic international seminar focused on the expanding extractives industry in Latin America. Sponsored by the Justice and Solidarity department of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), the three-day seminar analyzed the political, economic, social, and environmental impacts of mining in order to position these complex challenges within the mission of the Church.

Held from July 14-16 in Lima, Peru with support from the German Catholic Bishops Organization for Development Cooperation (MISEREOR), this gathering brought together more than 70 participants, including bishops, priests, indigenous leaders, campesinos, professionals, and academics from 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Europe.

Through story-telling and sharing, participants caught a glimpse of the environmental degradation, conflict, corruption, loss of livelihoods, and human rights violations that have become part of the fabric of life in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Guatemala where mining activities have expanded at an extraordinary rate.

As a concluding document to this conference, CELAM produced a 10-page statement entitled, "Extractive Industries (Mining and Hydrocarbons), the issue of non-renewable natural resources in Latin America and the Mission of the Church." Acknowleding the global reliance on fossil fuels that is driving the acceleration of extractive activities, as well as the positive contributions that responsible mining can make, the conference statement calls governments, industry, and the Church towards a greater commitment to social justice and "practices that promote peoples' well-being based on law and democratic practices" (1). 

Comprehensive in scope, the statement urges Latin American governments to adequately regulate extractive activities according to international standards; guarantee free, prior, and informed consent in resource-rich communities; and provide independent environmental impact assessments of mining operations (8). Further, CELAM urges mining companies to invest in cleaner, more ethical technologies; properly consult with, and inform, affected communities prior to the launch of projects; ensure the health, safety, and fair pay of workers; and carry out operations in a socially- and environmentally-responsible manner (9). 

On behalf of the Church, CELAM commits to intensifying ties with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and promoting dialogue with U.S., Canadian, and European bishops in order to explore extractive issues from the standpoint of the Church's Social Doctrine (10). Building on the pastoral efforts already underway in the Latin American Church, the Council also commits to cultivating stronger links with social and religious leaders, environmentalists, and human rights defenders who are being threatened or persecuted.

Through these partnerships, the Church will be better prepared to disseminate information regarding the complexity of extractive issues and to propose well-informed, creative actions that may influence the social and economic policies of relevant governments.

Read the statement