International Organizations issue joint letter to INV Metals to withdraw from Loma Larga, citing Environmental and Human Rights concerns.

Defend Them All, along with a network of environmental NGOs, publicly urge Canada based mining company INV Metals to withdraw from the Loma Larga mining project in Azuay, Ecuador. DTA, with the support of MiningWatch Canada, Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society International Canada, Humane Society International Latin America, YASunidos Cuenca, EathWorks, International Primate Protection League, and CATCA Environmental and Wildlife Society, submitted a joint letter to INV Metals calling for withdrawal of the Loma Larga mining project.

Despite persistent, widespread opposition to the project, INV Metals repeatedly states that the project will benefit Ecuador and has the support of the country. The Defend Them All Foundation and other signatories consider these statements misleading or at the very least overly optimistic. Even with the potential influx of temporary job creation, local communities are not willing to trade these short‐term benefits for long-term damage to the environment, health, and their livelihoods.

On a national level, the Ecuadorian government has supported the Loma Larga project, promoting mega-mining as the solution to the country’s debts. However, given the extreme incentives to attract mining to the country, the actual benefit to Ecuador will be far less than claimed. The estimated projected revenue fails to account for the environmental and social harm the country will face upon completion of the project and the withdrawal of INV Metals. Moving forward with the project will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to the sensitive environment and the local communities tied to these lands.

The following organizations are signatories to the joint letter: