In response to the recent approval by the provincial legislature of environmental impact declarations (DIA) for mining projects on San Jorge mountain, in Uspallata, and in nearly 30 areas of Malargüe, the call for protest was heard once again. According to the groups fighting against this, it opens the door to metal mining in territories with high water vulnerability. In another historic day of struggle, thousands of Mendoza residents once again filled the streets of the provincial capital with songs, flags, and families, making it clear the strong social rejection of large-scale mining. Let's remember that there are about 20 prosecuted individuals for simply protesting against the mining projects promoted by the ruling party. After a week in detention, the Gollano brothers were released at the judicial hearing scheduled for 11:30 in the morning. The police presence began to increase its provocations, blocking one of the avenues where the march would pass. Among the protesters, that hope is alive: 'the fight has just begun, here we are risking our lives, because life is water'. In the days prior, there were gatherings, assemblies, festivals, noise demonstrations, and even road blockades reminiscent of the 2019 provincial uprising. By noon, the crowd was already impressive. Under banners, flags, and water symbols, the popular column recovered the memory of other socio-environmental struggles and vindicated the defense of Law 7722, enacted in 2007, which prohibits the use of toxic substances such as cyanide and mercury in metal mining in Mendoza. They demand the repeal of the laws that enable the mining projects promoted by Governor Alfredo Cornejo.
