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Demand for Action on Nicaragua Gold Mine
By B. Earth | May 27, 2009
Canadian-US mining giant, Goldcorp, plans to close its enormous San Martin gold mine in Honduras at the end of 2009. The Honduran government and numerous independent organizations are now demanding that the company take responsibility for damage the mine has caused to the environment and the health of local communities.
Since the San Martin mine began operating in 2000, independent agencies have conducted tests and detected widespread pollution in the vicinity of the mine. Precious agricultural land has been damaged and hazardous quantities of cyanide, arsenic and other heavy metals have been detected in water sources flowing through the mine’s boundaries. Local populations have subsequently complained of health problems, including respiratory, skin and gastro-intestinal diseases. It is widely believed that these ailments are caused by contamination of local drinking water sources by mine runoff.
A primary suspect in the pollution is the San Martin mine’s use of a controversial cyanide heap-leaching method to extract gold from deposits. The process is banned in some US states because it is known to release dangerous pollutants into groundwater if not very carefully managed.
Unfortunately, Goldcorp is but one of many large-scale mining companies worldwide that practice little or no responsibility to the environment or the health and well-being of local communities. Two aid agencies, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Development and Peace, are leading the demand for justice in Honduras and are calling on Goldcorp to clean up its toxic mess and to compensate local populations for damages.
But there is more to be done in the way of pressuring irresponsible corporations to clean up their act, and much of the power is in the hands of conscious consumers. As a consumer, look for fine jewelry made from recycled precious metals or certified fair-trade Colombian gold from Oro Verde. By doing so, you will help to decrease the global demand for newly mined gold and diminish the environmentally and socially destructive effects of dirty gold and other metal mining practices.
In addition to making responsible choices as a consumer, you can let you voice be heard by sending your letters of concern to Goldcorp President and CEO Kevin McArthur, urging Goldcorp to negotiate in good faith with the local communities they have harmed.
Kevin McArthur, President and CEO of Goldcorp Inc.
Park Place
Suite 3400-666 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 2X8
info@goldcorp.com
directors@goldcorp.com
Topics: In the News, Mining Issues, Uncategorized | No Comments »