MINERÍA A CIELO ABIERTO en Argentina.

About this video

• Video Title: MINERÍA A CIELO ABIERTO en Argentina.
• Channel: Un Mundo por Descubrir
• Speakers: Not explicitly mentioned in the transcript.
• Duration: 00:11:29

Overview

This video provides a critical analysis of open-pit mining in Argentina, focusing on its environmental and social impacts. It examines the legislative framework, the significant resource consumption, the generation of toxic waste, and the health consequences for local communities. The video also touches upon the territorial changes brought about by mining projects and the social movements that arise in response.

Key takeaways

• Environmental Impact: Open-pit mining, particularly for gold, is highly resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of explosives, cyanide, and potable water daily. It generates significant toxic waste, posing risks of contamination to water sources and land.
• Health Risks: The process releases toxic dust and chemicals, leading to various health issues for nearby populations, including respiratory and degenerative diseases.
• Water Scarcity: Large-scale mining operations require substantial water, often sourced from underground or surface reserves, which can exacerbate water scarcity in local areas, especially in glacier-affected regions where mining is restricted by law.
• Economic and Legislative Framework: Mining laws in Argentina grant companies significant fiscal stability (30 years), import duty exemptions, and reduced income tax payments. Royalties are capped at 3% of the mineral's value, and the state may even reimburse export costs. Companies are not always required to liquidate foreign currency within the country.
• Social Conflict and Resistance: Mining projects often lead to territorial changes, such as altering land use from agriculture to mining. This, along with environmental and health concerns, generates significant social conflicts and resistance movements, including self-convoked neighbors and plebiscites to approve projects.
• Global Gold Usage: A significant portion of gold is used as a backing for the global economy (80%), with smaller amounts used for decorative purposes (18%) and industrial applications (2%).