Strip Mine Proposed: O Pino!

[Rebekah Scott]

I massive open-pit strip mine is proposed just outside Santiago de Compostela, alongside the Frances path. The FICS has taken it up, alongside hundreds of locals concerned about the noise, dust, traffic, blasting, and long-term effects on air and water quality. For details on the proposal, check out the FICS web or FB site, or Mina Touro O Pino NON sites. A multinational mining company has proposed reopening an old mine, its digging rights come within a half-km. of the Camino along the final two etapas of the Frances route. Its proposals and studies are full of unanswered questions, but its flying through the approvals process with mysterious ease...

We who treasure the camino are sending emails, MANY emails, to let the authorities know where we are from and why we care. We hope you will join us... English, or your native language, is fine! Remember, the Camino is UNESCO World Heritage Site, it belongs to ALL of us! Send your concerns, (short and sweet) to:

proteccion.patrimonio.cultural@xunta.es ... the government arm ultimately responsible for protecting the Camino as cultural heritage. They need to enforce the laws already on the books!

xerencia.xacobeo@xunta.es ... the powerful government arm responsible for promoting the Camino. They'll pay attention if they hear from people outside Spain!
If you want to send actual post cards or letters, send me a note and I'll give you the postal address. For more info on the proposed mine, see FICS or MINATOUROOPINONON on FB.

 

[Aurigny]

There was a big demonstration against this in the square outside the Cathedral the day I finished the Primitivo at the beginning of June. Lots of media coverage, too.

I'd be surprised if this proposal gets all the way through. Too much local opposition.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Gallego officials are used to ignoring local opposition. It's important that we Camino people from outside the district let them know we are aware of this threat, and we expect them to enforce the Patrimony laws that protect the Camino path.
It won't work if we just say "oh my." We have to say something.
At least I am!

 

[Donna Sch]

The map looks very close to the Camino Sanabres too Two major camino routes within 50 km of SdC.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

UPDATE: After a long haul of protests, letters, injunctions, and grassroots activism, the Junta de Galicia environmental protection agency has DENIED permission for the projected "mega-mine" in O Pino/Touro, citing water quality issues.

Thanks to all of you who joined FICS in writing letters and emails to the officials charged with enforcing existing legislation... they were all set to "let it slide" until the noise just got too loud!

 

[Kanga]

Great to see that, just occasionally, good sense prevails. Thank you for letting us know @Rebekah Scott

 

[VNwalking]

It's amazing that they even thought of doing this.
And - halleluuujah - they heard how we all felt and actually listened.
Cause for celebration, and thanks especially to FICS.

And.
I may be paranoid, but experience in environmental causes has shown me that now is precisely not the time to go to sleep. The may try again in another way, or someplace else, close by.
Eyes open, people....

 

[Theatregal]

Inspiring that the "voice of the people" can still be powerful. Not so often in these times and it's truly a moment to celebrate. But as @VNwalking notes... (in my experience as well) "eyes open" and vigilance!
I don't remember seeing @Rebekah Scott 's original post - I would have certainly responded. Bravo to all those who spoke up, wrote letters, made their concerns known. Thank you!