Mining News
Pan American Silver Issues Apology To Shooting Victims
After resolution of a court ruling, Pan American Silver is issuing an apology to Guatemalan community members after a 2013 shooting at Escobal Mine left several poeple injured.
Pan American acquired the mine from Tahoe Resources earlier this year.
"Pan American strongly condemns and will not resort to the use of any violence," writes the company in a news release.
"While these events occurred well before the acquisition, Pan American, on behalf of Tahoe, acknowledges that the shooting on April 27, 2013, infringed the human rights of the protesters. Pan American, on behalf of Tahoe, apologizes to the victims and to the community."
In April 2013, members of the local community in San Rafael Las Flores, Santa Rosa, in Guatemala, were engaged in protests at the Escobal Mine, owned by Minera San Rafael, regarding the issue of prior community consultation.
On April 27, 2013, the mine's security guards, headed by the chief of security, Alberto Rotondo, shot at protesters who had gathered on the public road outside the gates of the mine. A number of individuals were injured during the shooting including Adolfo Agustin Garcia, Luis Fernando Garcia Monroy, Wilmer Francisco Perez Martinez, and Misael Eberto Martinez Sasvin, who filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada, against Tahoe Resources Inc., owner of Minera San Rafael, seeking justice for the violation of their rights.
On February 22, 2019, Pan American Silver acquired Tahoe.
Written with material from Pan American Silver