106 - The International Resource Journal

FEBRUARY 2013 The International Resource Journal21CERRO Rico mine in boliviathe perceived lack of benefits over local socialand environmental costs of mining.In Mexico, where exploration permits to foreignmining companies have been increasing inthe past decade, recent high-profile protests inthe states of San Luis Potosi and Baja CaliforniaSur have put mining issues in the media. Theseplaces generate a good portion of income fromtourism and ecotourism, and though this economicmodel has not generated benefits to manysmall landowners or ejidatarios who would gladlygive mining a new chance in their backyards,the interests of newer middle class seem to beprevailing: Two of the potentially largest miningprojects by Canadian companies have not beenapproved.What this means for mining companiesin Latin AmericaGiven the growing disconnect between nationaland local agendas, as well as the new interestsof a powerful middle class, BSR recommendscompanies seeking to explore or acquire miningfacilities in the region conduct thorough due