Look at this picture of Arcatao, El Salvador. The beautiful community is located over a rich pocket of minerals. Stop Pacific Rim Mining Corp. from mining in El Salvador!

In the department of Cabanas, El Salvador, communities have been protesting a gold mining project proposed by Pacific Rim, a Canadian mining company. The mining would poison El Salvador's largest river, the Rio Lempa -- the primary source of drinking water for millions in the country. Their protests and organizing efforts were able to shut down Pacific Rim's exploration and turn public opinion against the mines. When El Salvador declared that it would not allow metallic mining in the country, Pacific Rim filed a lawsuit for $77 million against the Salvadoran government under the CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) provision for their refusal to grant mining permits. The lawsuit has been seen as unconstitutional for infringing upon the rights of El Salvador's sovereign government to protect the interests of the people. 

Demand that Pacific Rim mining company withdraw their wrongful lawsuit against the Salvadoran government by writing to the CEO of Pacific Rim's U.S. subsidiary, Thomas Shrake.

Mail a letter to CEO of Pacific Rim, Thomas Shrake, urging him to stop mining in El Salvador (below is a template, if you should choose to use it):

Mr. Shrake,

I am a member of St. Patrick's Church in Seattle, Washington. Our parish has had a sister parish relationship with a community of Chalatenango, El Salvador for over 15 years. We have been closely following Pacific Rim's proposed mining projects in El Salvador.

Today, along with our brothers and sisters in El Salvador as well as many people in Canada and the U.S., I urge that you and Pacific Rim's board of directors make the moral decision to immediately withdraw from Cabanas government to protect the interests of the people. Each country has the right to determine how its land is used, as well as the fate of its natural resources. Your lawsuit tramples on those rights. 

My faith teaches me to uphold the dignity and sacredness of every human person, to be in solidarity with brothers and sisters worldwide, and to care for God's creation. Therefore, natural resources should be used in ways that sustain the natural environment and contribute to human development. 

Please withdraw this shameful lawsuit and stop the mining projects that threaten the well-being of thousands of Salvadoran people and their land.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

{Your name}

Mail your completed letter to:

Thomas Shrake

 Pacific Rim Mining Corp.

#410-625 Howe St.

Vancouver, BC

Canada V6C2T6

Postage for a one ounce letter to Canada is $0.44.

Thank you for helping to cease unlawful mining in El Salvador!

Claire Star and Theresa Edwards, advocates

St. Patrick's Church, Seattle, Washington, USA