Statement of Camilo Pereira

“Extreme extraction is very close to my family’s story, and the destruction of mountains 2014-06-20 06.25.05-2is near to my heart. My father’s hometown in Peru is right next to the largest gold mine in the world, Yanacocha. As long as I can remember, I have family who’ve work in the mine – and against it. My grandfather taught me that according to his indigenous beliefs, each mountain has an Apu – its own spirit. I’m here today in solidarity with the people of Appalachia, to demand an end to Alpha’s mountaintop removal mining. I’m standing up for the mountains all of the life that depends on them.”

–Camilo Pereira
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One June 20th, Camilo Pereira locked down in front of Alpha Natural Resources Headquarters in Bristol, VA.