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Colombian coalmine 'wiping out' indigenous tribe

Wayuu tribe campaign against damaged lands caused by London-listed open cast-coal mine

The world's largest mining company, BHP, held its annual general meeting in London this week accompanied by noisy protesters from South America.

They are campaigning against what they say is damage to their lands caused by the Cerrejón open cast mine, run by Anglo American, BHP and Glencore.

Angelica Oritz is from the Wayuu community told Radio 4's World Tonight the purpose of the protest. Her words are translated by Seb Munoz, from the charity War on Want.

First, Luisa Fernandez, from a Colombian human rights group who travelled with Angelica, told Shaun Ley more about the Wayuu people.

The mining companies involved told us that all shareholders in the project continue to support it in abiding by Colombian legislation and international standards when it comes to issues related to local communities and the environment. They refute any allegations of human rights abuses and point out that the mine is a critical part of the local economy.

(Photo: Angelica Oritz, from the local Wayuu community, Columbia Credit: War on Want charity)

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