The social mobilization of the Esquel community, together with other Argentinean provinces fighting against large-scale mining projects, elicited reactions at the political, local, and national levels, and also within numerous other communities under identical circumstances. Without planning it, a course of frontal opposition to these projects was initiated in 14 provinces, involving almost a hundred localities.

All of them define the metal mining industry not only as harmful to the environment but also as the plain and simple devastation of natural resources and an unacceptable surrender of the country's fiscal resources to mining companies that are for the most part transnational.

This last part is possible due to a set of laws sanctioned in the 1990s that have shameful fiscal, tariff, and territorial benefits. They are repudiated by all communities that fight against the mega mining industry. In addition, Néstor Kirchner´s government, and now that of his wife, Cristina Fernández, maintain that mining activity is state policy and they formulate the management of that sector's interests at government level.

Metal mining is prohibited, but...

Despite the categorical triumph of the 2003 ´NO´ referendum, neighbors of Esquel continue marching on the 4th day of every month. Though the Canadian mining company Meridian Gold, bought in 2007 by Yamana Gold, has suspended its activities, it still holds the provincial claim, the municipal and commercial authorization for the field, and - according to the facts - the intention to mine it.

As an outcome of the referendum results, a law was approved prohibiting open-pit mining and the use of toxic substances throughout Chubut. However, various metal explorations are underway on the Chubut plateau, which is the most arid region.

In the meantime, officials of Mario Das Neves' administration announced that they intend to authorize the majority of the territory for large-scale mining activities. Their intention has been noted by the communities rejecting it because it divides the region in order to establish ´sacrificial zones´ in favor of the mining companies.

Fifth anniversary activities for ´NO TO MINES´

• Saturday, March 22, 2008:

II No Forum, designated as ´Communities that say NO in support of life tell their experiences" with participation by representatives from the following assemblies: Famatina (La Rioja), Perito Moreno and Los Antiguos (Santa Cruz), Gualeguaychú (Entre Ríos), San Carlos and General Alvear (Mendoza), Sarmiento and Lago Puelo (Chubut), along with Organización Mapuche-Tehuelche 11 de Octubre, the organization "Ya basta" from Italy, and Colectivo Quillamapu from Buenos Aires.

Participants made emotional and vibrant presentations about their diverse fights. They showed images illustrating their activities in opposition to enterprises in mining, wood pulp, and others. In addition to these being an environmental threat, they signal the devastation of natural resources and they are an assault on the development of regional economies tied to the use of water as common property.

The presenters also pointed out that such projects are protected either by legal bungles that cover the companies or by the capricious and unpunished use of regulations at the hands of officials who turn their backs on public opinion.

• Sunday, the 23rd:

On the morning of Sunday the 23rd, the Patagonian Coordinating Assembly against Devastation and Contamination held a session where delegations from Viedma, Fivske Menuco (General Roca), Bariloche, Los Antiguos, Perito Moreno, Trevelin, Esquel, El Bolsón, Lago Puelo, El Hoyo, Epuyén, and Ingeniero Jacobacci debated and defined actions related to a variety of topics such as the expansion of agribusiness in the direction of Patagonia (soybean and other transgenic crops); energy generation projects; the construction of infrastructure intended primarily to provide for excavation companies (mining, oil, and others) and collaterally for the population; and the severe problem of contamination in the Limay and Negro river basins.

The Assembly decided to announce its opposition to the Potasio Rio Colorado project that, upon completion, would affect five districts (Mendoza, Neuquén, Rio Negro, La Pampa, and Buenos Aires). It also denounced moving the Paris-Dakar rally competition to Chilean and Argentinean territories since it is known for using the energy, roads and other resources of our communities in order to model exhibition, marketing and consumption. The Assembly made particular mention of the radio program, Horizonte Sur (Southern Horizon), which deserves support and the urge for it to continue. It is transmitted by Radio Nacional and run by Jorge Rulli.

They also resolved to debate a series of proposals at the next gathering of the Union of Citizen Assemblies that will take place on April 4, 5, and 6 at Capilla del Monte, Cordoba. Assemblies and organizations from around the country who are in opposition to the devastation will convene.

The march that does not cease: On the warm Sunday afternoon of March 23, starting at 5:00 PM, there was a simple festival of local musicians in the San Martín plaza. Neighbors danced circular danzas, delegations from different places in the country that traveled there for the anniversary shared emotional words of welcome, and there was an appearance by the street band ´Tricolor´ from the Ceferino district.

A neighbor read a document from neighbors in Esquel which affirmed that ´No´ means ´No´. We demand respect for our way of life and we will continue demanding it, because, although the current government does not know it, we, the owners of the countryside, the occupants of the land, are the ones that make the decisions around here. This is a Movement for Life.

´ In the meantime, hundreds of Esquel townspeople joined together to participate in the march to the accompaniment of rhythmic ´sonajeros´ (rattles) that, in the hands of our neighbors, marked the rhythm of the march to the tune of chants like ´bring the national government out so it can see that the towns don't change their minds, they don't want the mines anywhere in the country´.

The march moved 20 blocks down Ameghino Avenue to a public square at the entrance to the city where, without ceasing to chant or sound the rattles and drums, they put up a placard stating ´NO TO MINES, in tribute to the historic referendum of March 23, 2003.´ It was an emotional culmination of the celebration of the campaign and respect for popular will.