Human Rights Violations and Environmental Injustice in the Latin American Mining Sector

Strategic Insights -

Research has highlighted recurring issues of environmental degradation, lack of consultation with affected communities, and criminalisation of social protest in the mining sector of Latin America. A study in Colombia, Chile, and Peru found that state inaction and systemic violations of constitutional rights have led to prolonged environmental harm and human rights abuses. The research emphasizes the need for strengthened state regulation to balance economic interests with the protection of communities and the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The mining sector in Latin America faces significant challenges related to human rights violations and environmental sustainability.
  • Environmental degradation, lack of consultation with affected communities, and criminalisation of social protest are recurring issues in the sector.
  • In Colombia, the ban on mining in protected areas revealed tensions between environmental protection and economic rights of companies.
  • In Chile, decades of pollution in Quintero-Puchuncaví reflect prolonged state inaction and systemic violations of constitutional rights.
  • In Peru, non-consensual modifications in Las Bambas intensified social conflicts.
  • The research concluded that state regulation must be strengthened to guarantee the constitutional right to a healthy environment and balance economic interests with the protection of communities and the environment.
  • Franklin Cordova-Buiza and colleagues conducted the study at the Private University in Lima, Peru.
  • The study employed a non-experimental, descriptive, and basic research design, relying on a documentary analysis of emblematic cases.
  • The research is peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Human Rights.

Statistics:

  • 3 countries (Colombia, Chile, and Peru) studied in the research.
  • 3 recurring issues identified in the mining sector (environmental degradation, lack of consultation with affected communities, and criminalisation of social protest).
  • 1 decade of pollution documented in Chile (Quintero-Puchuncaví).
  • 1 non-consensual modification cited in Las Bambas, Peru.
  • 1 potential solution proposed by the research (strengthened state regulation to balance economic interests with environmental protection).
  • 1 journal published the research (International Journal of Human Rights).
  • 1 publisher (Taylor & Francis Ltd) released the research.
  • 1 location (Lima, Peru) where the research was conducted.

Sources:

  • "Human Rights Violations and Environmental Injustice In the Latin American Mining Sector: Current Dynamics and Challenges." International Journal of Human Rights, 2025.
  • Taylor & Francis Ltd. "International Journal of Human Rights." Routledge Journals, 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RN, Oxon, England.
  • NewsRx. "Reports from Private University Describe Recent Advances in Human Rights (Human Rights Violations and Environmental Injustice In the Latin American Mining Sector: Current Dynamics and Challenges)." Medical Patent Law Weekly, October 15, 2025; p 889.