“Mendoza water is non-negotiable”: Protests across Argentine province against mining project

Throughout the province of Mendoza, Argentina, a widespread mobilization is exploding against the San Jorge mining project, approved in the first instance despite the rejection of the communities and the objections of the experts. The spark was lit after provincial deputies gave the green light to a package of rules that includes the Environmental Impact Report of the project, designed to extract copper in the precordillera. Now all eyes are on the decisive Senate vote scheduled for December 9th.

Among the strongest concerns is that linked to water risk: several specialists denounce that the environmental report uses data that is now outdated, ignoring the reality of the mega drought that has been affecting Mendoza for years. Geographer Marcelo Giraud pointed out that the water in the El Tigre stream may not be sufficient “for most years”, forcing the use of groundwater pumping, with further environmental impacts.

Mass mobilizations like in 2019

The protests are exploding “from below”, just as happened in 2019, when the population blocked the attempt to modify Law 7722, the cornerstone of water protection. From Uspallata – the epicenter of the conflict, where the mine should be built – to the squares of Tunuyán, Tupungato, San Carlos, Rivadavia, Lavalle and many other departments, thousands of people are reiterating their opposition to mega-mining.

After the large protest in front of the Legislature, the initiatives have multiplied: popular assemblies, marches and mobilizations that are bringing the defense of water back to the center. In the provincial south, in General Alvear and San Rafael, the streets were filled with protesters, while other actions are underway in Potrerillos, Maipú, La Paz and in the east.

The Gesta Libertadora por el Agua will start from Uspallata on Monday, a march of over 100 km that will cross various towns until reaching the city of Mendoza on the day of the vote in the Senate. In assemblies we often hear it said that “this time we will be more than 2019”, remembering that the victory of that time was the result of popular organization and not of political concessions. Today, as then, the message is clear: Mendoza’s water is non-negotiable.

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