Two terabytes of data released as hackers strive to expose companies' environmental damage

The hacking collective Guacamaya hacked and released over two terabytes of data from five mining companies and two public agencies in Central and South America to expose the negative environmental developments in the area.

A collection of files and emails was released from two public agencies (from Colombia and Guatemala,) as well as five private and public mining companies.

Two terabytes of data were posted on Enlace Hacktivista – a website commonly used by hackers to publicize their findings. The site was previously used to share 285,635 emails from the Nauru Police Force, documenting abuse against asylum-seekers and refugees.

The materials included emails from Ecuador's state mining company; Guatemala's ministry of natural resources; Colombia's hydrocarbons agency; and from oil and mining companies in Brazil, Venezuela, Chile and Colombia, according to Distributed Email of Secrets.

Guacamaya released a statement along with the data, a part of which translates:

“In this way we seek reparation knowing that the damage caused to the earth, to its children, and to the dignity of people is irreparable, but know that we will be there to demand accounts.”

Previously, Guacamaya was involved in the “Mining Secrets” leak, which continued the work of journalists targeted for investigating environmental scandals. In an interview with Forbidden Stories, Guacamaya said:

“It’s important that the people of the so-called ‘global north’ know that they are part of this genocide, of this terracide, and that every privilege they have and their quality of life necessarily means the annihilation of other beings and of other lands. Dismantling these companies has a number of consequences, among them providing a source of inspiration and an invitation to rebellion.”