Fire Brigade Bolsters Esperanza Silver’s Community Relationship

Esperanza Silver is working to strengthen its bond with the community of San Agustín Tetlama, in the municipality Temixco, near its Esperanza mining project. Part of the company’s efforts to benefit the community is a new fire brigade that aims to tackle potentially devastating forest fires.

Esperanza Silver recently outlined its community relationship strategy, focusing on programs and activities regarding health, education and culture. The new model is backed up by Esperanza Silver’s Social Investment Plan.

One of the most relevant programs is the formation of a forest fire brigade consisting of inhabitants of the Tetlama community. The establishment of the brigade arose from a community proposal from Leobardo Espíndola Miranda, President of the Communal Properties of San Agustín Tetlama, who asked for the Esperanza Silver’s support.

“With the support of Esperanza Silver, it was possible to form a brigade against forest fires that focuses on the Jumil and Colotepec hills. Its implementation enabled a decrease of 95 percent in forest fires in this area. The brigade consists of 15 community members and two technical specialists. It is a community brigade that receives training and technical support to do its work, including a paid salary,” explained Espíndola.

Due to its performance and training received by technicians hired by Esperanza Silver, the brigade received official acknowledgment from the National Forestry Commission of Mexico (CONAFOR), which also offered the support of a professional brigade to control fires.

“The training given to the brigade included information and management of strategies for the prevention and combat of forest fires, as well as the correct use of fire during controlled burning, under technical supervision,” mentioned Claudia Aristo, a Forestry Specialist hired by Esperanza Silver.

The Esperanza project is to be developed on 1,066ha. During the project’s intensive development, the company works to preserve Jumil Mountain, which has been flagged by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) for conservation.