The Coordinator of Human Rights of Paraguay (Codehupy), the Paso Yobái Yerbateros Association, and the leader of the Yvyty Kora Indigenous Community have filed a criminal complaint against the company Latin American Minerals Paraguay (Lampa S.A.) for alleged environmental crimes related to gold mining in the district of Paso Yobái, Guairá department.
The complaint, filed with the Public Ministry, alleges that the company's mining activity involves the irregular use and handling of toxic substances, resulting in environmental contamination that would affect the health of local communities, as well as streams, soil, and crops in the region. The complainants have requested the opening of an investigation and the adoption of measures to prevent ongoing damage.
The case is based on a study published last year by academic institutions, including the National University of Asunción, which detected cyanide levels up to 40 times above the limit permitted by international standards in the area. The research pointed to alarming environmental degradation that would endanger the health of the population and the traditional way of life of the yerbateros.
In July, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Police had already conducted joint inspection operations in the Paso Yobai region to verify complaints of contamination and fish die-offs, indicating increased official scrutiny of mining activities in the area.
The response from the company Lampa S.A. to the accusations was not available in the selected sources.