San José del Golfo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San José del Golfo
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 San José del Golfo
Location in Guatemala
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| Country |  Guatemala |
| Department | Guatemala Department |
| Settled | 1882 |
| Incorporated to El Progreso Department | 1908 |
| Incorporated to Guatemala Department | 1920 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 32 sq mi (84 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,050 ft (930 m) |
| Population
(2002)
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| • Total | 5,156 |
| Climate | Aw |
San José del Golfo is a small town, also called a municipality, located in the Guatemala department of Guatemala. It is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) northeast of Guatemala City, the capital. The area is quite hilly and is part of the central highlands of the country.
San José del Golfo was officially created on March 17, 1882, by General Justo Rufino Barrios. Later, in 1908, it became part of the El Progreso Department. However, it joined the Guatemala Department again in 1920.
Contents
Mining and Community Concerns
San José del Golfo has many natural resources, including traditional quartz mining. More recently, a gold mining project called "El Tambor" has faced strong opposition from a local group named "La Puya." This group, whose name means "The Sting," has been protesting since 2012. They are worried about the mining causing environmental pollution.
Why the Community is Concerned
The people of San José del Golfo are concerned that gold mining could harm their water sources. They also worry about their farmland and the health of their community. They believe the mining could pollute the environment.
Key Events in the Mining Conflict
- March 2, 2012: A woman from San José del Golfo parked her car to block a road leading to the mine. She wanted to stop mining machinery from entering. Other community members quickly joined her. They set up a camp that stayed open 24 hours a day, every day, in front of the mine entrance. This protest aimed to protect their water, farms, health, and the environment.
- December 20, 2013: A study showed that women in the community played a very important role. They showed strong leadership by keeping the protest camp going for 20 months.
- February 27, 2014: The mining company removed its equipment from San José del Golfo.
- May 23, 2014: Members of "La Puya" tried to stop equipment from entering the mine. Police then used tear gas to move the community members away, including children. Officials from the Human Rights office were there, but they could not help reach a peaceful solution. The government stated it was allowing people's right to move freely.
- May 26, 2015: After talking peacefully, "La Puya" members allowed about 30 mining employees to leave the area. Police were present as a precaution, but no action was needed.
- August 4, 2015: Trucks with police escorts entered the "El Tambor" mine. Many community members then blocked the main entrance to stop more trucks. Again, authorities said the community was blocking the right to free movement and asked them to leave.
Natural Disasters
The 1976 Earthquake
San José del Golfo was almost completely destroyed by a very strong earthquake on February 4, 1976. The town has been rebuilt since then. However, the original old-style buildings were lost in the disaster.
See also
In Spanish: San José del Golfo para niños
