corruption

Canadian mining firm accused of links to murder of protester, threatens arbitration over mine closure in Chiapas

By Fernando Cabrera Diaz - March 11, 2010

Calgary-based mining firm Blackfire Exploration has reportedly threatened Mexican officials in Chiapas with NAFTA Chapter 11 arbitration in response to the closure of its barite mine in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. The mine’s closure came on the heels of intense local protests against the mine following the murder of a local activist.

Mining watchdogs want probe
Critics plan to ask for RCMP investigation of Calgary company's operations in Mexico

OTTAWA–Canadian mining watchdog groups want the RCMP to investigate Blackfire Exploration Ltd., the Calgary mining company with operations in Mexico.

Probe urged into Calgary firm's Mexico payments

A Calgary-based mining company already embroiled in a Mexican shooting scandal should be investigated for payments it's made to a public official there, a coalition of non-governmental organizations is charging.

Nine groups have signed a letter asking the RCMP to review if payments totalling about $20,000 were made by Blackfire Exploration to the mayor of Chicomuselo to quell local dissent toward the mine.
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