Troubled Ground

Synopsis

The Compania Guatemalteca de Niquel, a subsidiary of the Russian-Swiss mining group Solway, operates a nickel mine in Guatemala that poses a significant threat to the indigenous Maya Q'Eqchi community. Located just a few kilometers from their land, Las Nubes, the mine's expansion raises concerns among local residents. Abelino, a resident of Las Nubes, articulates the community's fears, stating that the mine seeks to take their land due to the nickel deposits beneath their village. Despite Solway's claims of wanting to foster a relationship of 'neighborliness and mutual benefit', the locals strongly oppose the mining operations, highlighting the ongoing conflict between corporate interests and indigenous rights in Guatemala.