An Overview of Mining-Related Environmental and Human Health Issues, Marinduque Island, Philippines: Observations from a Joint U.S

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

An Overview of Mining-Related Environmental and Human Health Issues, Marinduque Island, Philippines: Observations from a Joint U.S An Overview of Mining-Related Environmental and Human Health Issues, Marinduque Island, Philippines: Observations from a Joint U.S. Geological Survey – Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Reconnaissance Field Evaluation, May 12-19, 2000 U. S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00-397 Geoffrey S. Plumlee1 Robert A. Morton2 Terence P. Boyle3 Jack H. Medlin4 José A. Centeno5 1U.S. Geological Survey, MS935 Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225; [email protected] 2U.S. Geological Survey, 600 4th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; [email protected] 3U.S. Geological Survey, Aylesworth Hall NW, Colorado State University, Ft Collins, CO 80523; [email protected] 4U.S. Geological Survey, National Center, Reston, VA 22091; [email protected] 5U.S. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC 20306-6000;[email protected] This report is available online at: http://geology.cr.usgs.gov/pub/open-file-reports/ofr-00-0397/ Boac River,, tailings from 1996 spill Tapian pit lake An Overview of Mining-Related Environmental and Human Health Issues, Marinduque Island, Philippines: Observations from a Joint U.S. Geological Survey – Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Reconnaissance Field Evaluation, May 12-19, 2000 By Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Robert A. Morton, Terence P. Boyle, Jack H. Medlin, and José A. Centeno Executive Summary received or are still receiving acid rock This report summarizes results of a visit by the drainage, high sediment loads, and tailings report authors to Marinduque Island, Philippines, transported from the mine site; in May 2000. The purpose of the visit was to con- " The beaches and ocean at and near the mouth duct a preliminary examination of environmental of the Mogpog and Boac River systems; problems created by a 1996 tailings spill from the " Calancan Bay, into which very large volumes Marcopper open-pit copper mine. The mine was of tailings were disposed for 16 years; and operated from 1969-1996 by Marcopper Mining " The area within and adjacent to the mine site, Corporation, under 39.9% ownership, and design which is affected by multiple sources of acid- and management control, of Placer Dome, Inc. rock drainage into ground and surface waters, Our trip expenses to and from the Philippines and by sediments eroded from mine waste were funded by the USGS. In-country expenses piles. were paid by the offices of Congressman Reyes Less well-known but potentially significant and the Governor of Marinduque, Carmencita O. environmental problems may also exist as a result Reyes. of open pit mining at the CMI mine near This report includes observations we made Mogpog. Potential problems at CMI include: based on our relatively short visit to the island, " Effects of acid-rock drainage from mine and observations based upon a preliminary review dumps, tailings impoundments, and the mine’s of the literature available on the island’s mining- open pit on local surface and ground waters; environmental issues. In addition, we have and included preliminary interpretations and analyti- " Effects of mine wastes and tailings on the cal results of some water, sediment, and mine marine ecosystem. waste samples collected during our trip. We also Our team has identified a number of concerns highlight the environmental and human health associated with each of these areas, and has sum- issues we feel are in need of further study and marized for many of the areas actions that can be consideration for mitigation or remediation. This taken to better understand and (or) help mitigate report is preliminary and is not intended to be a the problems. comprehensive or final review of the island’s min- ing-environmental issues; many areas of further Boac River tailings study are clearly needed. The main priority of our visit was to get an Mining-related environmental problems have overview of the 1996 Boac River tailings spill, greatly affected several areas on Marinduque. and the proposed options to remediate the spill. Most of the observed problems stem from large- From information gathered on our trip, a limited scale open pit copper mining at Marcopper, and review we have made of reports on the tailings, primarily affect: and the results of simple leach experiments we " The Mogpog and Boac River systems, which performed to examine metal mobility from the 1 tailings, several conclusions are clear. The tailings unbiased scientific review of all information and deposits in the Boac River, as concluded in earlier reports gathered to date, to determine if enough studies by the mining company, will be a long- information is available to adequately judge the term source of acid and metals into the environ- scientific strengths and weaknesses of each of the ment, and are therefore in need of remediation. options. If not, then new data or information must Due to oxidation of sulfides in the tailings, the be gathered. Similarly, for options not covered in generation of acid waters during rainstorms, and the published reports, scientific and engineering the evaporation of these acid waters during dry data must be gathered to assess the strengths and periods, substantial deposits of soluble salts have weaknesses of each option. The monetary and built up within the tailings. These salts store acid time costs of gathering new data and information and metals in a readily soluble solid form until the to assess a particular option should be carefully next rainstorm, when they are likely to dissolve weighed. If new data acquisition for a particular and produce an ecologically damaging flush of option is too costly, then that option may not be acid and metals into the Boac River. The cycle of viable. salt formation and dissolution can be repeated We have provided in the report examples of each dry and wet period. the types of scientific questions needing to be Remedial options: A number of remedial addressed for any proposed remedial option in options are available for the Boac River tailings, order to assess its strengths and weaknesses. including many options identified by the mining These include such issues as the long-term viabil- company and other options proposed by residents, ity of the proposed option, potential ways that the companies, or groups. Many reports have been option could fail, and potential environmental generated by the mining company that evaluate impacts should the option fail to work properly. their proposed options. Using a risk analysis An example of one type of scientific informa- process, the company has determined submarine tion that can be used to help assess the remedial tailings disposal to be its preferred remedial options is a simple leach experiment we per- option. However, based on the reports we have formed to understand reactions of Boac River reviewed, it is not clear whether key scientific tailings with sea water. This leach test raises sig- data and interpretations have been made that in nificant concerns that submarine disposal of the our minds are crucial to adequately understand salt-rich tailings from the Boac River banks and the strengths and weaknesses of each of the reme- tailings flats into the ocean may have substantial dial options. adverse environmental impacts. Due to the sub- Assessing the remedial options: We have out- stantial amounts of soluble salts in the tailings lined a process by which remedial options avail- and the strong ability of chloride in sea water to able for the Boac River tailings can be assessed. complex metals from the tailings, there is consid- The purpose of an independent assessment should erable potential that a highly acidic, metal- be to review each option and present information enriched, and environmentally detrimental plume on the scientific and engineering strengths and would develop in the ocean around the tailings weaknesses of each option. This then would allow discharge point during tailings disposal; it is the people of Marinduque to make the best, most unclear whether acid and metals would continue scientifically informed choice possible regarding to leach from the tailings once disposal is fin- remediation. Ultimately, no single option may ished. Unless proven otherwise by further studies, prove ideal, but rather a combination of options the potential development and environmental may be best. effects of such a plume should be considered as a The first step is a thorough, independent, and major shortcoming of this remedial option. 2 Assessing, monitoring, and remediating other Mogpog and Boac Rivers and their inhabitants mining-environmental problems on should be assessed by evaluating the entire sys- Marinduque tem that includes the mine site, Mogpog and Boac We are not aware of plans for mitigating or river watersheds, and marine environment affect- remediating mining-environmental problems on ed by the two rivers, such as: Marinduque other than the 1996 tailings spill. " Contributions of acid, metals, and sediments However, the potential magnitude and impacts of from Marcopper; these other problems are so great that we strongly " Contributions of acid, metals, and sediments recommend the implementation of a general min- from other mine sites and disturbed areas; ing-environmental and health assessment and " Contributions of acid, metals, and sediments monitoring program on the island. The primary from natural sources; goals of such a monitoring and assessment pro- " The ground- and surface-water hydrology of gram should be to (1) understand and define the the mine site, and Boac and Mogpog river magnitude of the different environmental prob- watersheds; lems, (2) prioritize the problems for remediation, " Contributions of ground and surface waters and (3) look for creative, cost-effective ways to from other tributaries in the Mogpog and Boac help mitigate or remediate the problems. Rivers; In fact, the review of the Boac River tailings " Processes that affect contaminant transport in remedial options should be carried out as only ground, surface, and ocean waters; one part of such an overall assessment.
Recommended publications
  • The Dialects of Marinduque Tagalog
    PACIFIC LINGUISTICS - Se�ie� B No. 69 THE DIALECTS OF MARINDUQUE TAGALOG by Rosa Soberano Department of Linguistics Research School of Pacific Studies THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY Soberano, R. The dialects of Marinduque Tagalog. B-69, xii + 244 pages. Pacific Linguistics, The Australian National University, 1980. DOI:10.15144/PL-B69.cover ©1980 Pacific Linguistics and/or the author(s). Online edition licensed 2015 CC BY-SA 4.0, with permission of PL. A sealang.net/CRCL initiative. PAC IFIC LINGUISTICS is issued through the Ling ui6zic Ci�cle 06 Canbe��a and consists of four series: SERIES A - OCCASIONA L PAPERS SER IES B - MONOGRAPHS SER IES C - BOOKS SERIES V - SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR: S.A. Wurm. ASSOCIATE EDITORS: D.C. Laycock, C.L. Voorhoeve, D.T. Tryon, T.E. Dutton. EDITORIAL ADVISERS: B. Bender, University of Hawaii J. Lynch, University of Papua New Guinea D. Bradley, University of Melbourne K.A. McElhanon, University of Texas A. Capell, University of Sydney H. McKaughan, University of Hawaii S. Elbert, University of Hawaii P. Muhlhausler, Linacre College, Oxfor d K. Franklin, Summer Institute of G.N. O'Grady, University of Victoria, B.C. Linguistics A.K. Pawley, University of Hawaii W.W. Glover, Summer Institute of K. Pike, University of Michigan; Summer Linguistics Institute of Linguistics E.C. Polom , University of Texas G. Grace, University of Hawaii e G. Sankoff, Universit de Montr al M.A.K. Halliday, University of e e Sydney W.A.L. Stokhof, National Centre for A. Healey, Summer Institute of Language Development, Jakarta; Linguistics University of Leiden L.
    [Show full text]
  • Abuse by Barrick Gold Corporation Barrick's Porgera Gold Mine
    FACTSHEET: Abuse by Barrick Gold Corporation Representing survivors of gang rape and those killed by Barrick Gold Corporation’s security guards at the Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea Canadian mining company Barrick Gold Corporation, the largest gold mining company in the world, operates the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where security guards have raped and gang-raped hundreds of local women and girls and killed several local men. EarthRights International (ERI) represents a number of survivors of rape and family members whose relatives were killed by Barrick security guards. Barrick’s Porgera Gold Mine Barrick has owned and operated the Porgera gold mine since 2006, when it acquired the previous owner, Placer Dome. Barrick also acquired a legacy of environmental damage and human rights abuses that it has failed to remedy. Each day, Barrick dumps more than 16,000 tons of waste into the Porgera River and local creeks that villagers have long relied upon for drinking water, bathing, and washing clothes and food. The mine’s ever-expanding waste dumps continue to take over the land and bury the homes of the original landowners that have lived in the region for generations, long before large-scale mining came to Porgera. Surrounded on all sides, villagers have no choice but to cross the dangerous dumps to reach agricultural land, commercial areas, schools or other villages. Many have not been compensated for the loss of their land and their homes, and Barrick has refused to relocate them. Without land to farm and sources of clean water, practically the only means of income available to some of the local indigenous communities is to scavenge for remnants of gold in the open pit or the treacherous waste dumps.
    [Show full text]
  • DOST-MIMAROPA 2010 Annual Report
    DOST MIMAROPA 2010 Annual Report region4b.dost.gov.ph QUALITY POLICY We are committed to provide relevant services to both the government and private sectors in MIMAROPA Region with the highest standards of quality and reliability within our capabilities and resources according to customer and all applicable regulatory and statutory requirements and to continually improve the effectiveness of our QMS at all times in order to meet customer satisfaction. OUR MISSION To effectively respond to the social, economic and ecological development challenges of the MIMAROPA Region through S&T interventions OUR VISION DOST-MIMAROPA as a virtual bridge of the islands where knowledge, creativity, and innovation drive regional economic growth to improve quality of life TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Secretary 2 Message from the Undersecretary 3 Message from the Regional Director 4 Technology and Acquisition and Upgrading 5 SETUP Core Funded Projects 6 SETUP Non-Core Funded 10 Science and Technology Services 15 Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) 16 Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) Program 18 Packaging and Labeling 20 Science and Technology Volunteer Pool Program (STEVPP) 23 Food Safety 25 DOST-Academe Technology-Based Enterprise Development (DATBED) 26 Technology Forums 27 Technology Training 28 Other Priority Areas 33 S&T Scholarships 34 Library Services 36 S&T Promotion 37 Networks and Linkages 39 Finance and Administrative 41 General Fund Allotment and Expenditures 42 Human Resources Management Personnel 43 Training Attended 44 The DOST-MIMAROPA Interim Organization 47 DOST-MIMAROPA Directory 48 MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY On behalf of the Departmenf of Science and Technology, I wish to express my warmest greetings to the DOST-MIMAROPA Office for a productive 2010.
    [Show full text]
  • The Porgera Mine – Papua New Guinea
    To the Ministry of Finance Recommendation of 14 August 2008 Contents 1 Introduction 1 2 Sources 2 3 The Council’s considerations 3 4 Accusations of severe environmental damage and other factors 4 5 The Porgera mine – Papua New Guinea 6 5.1 Background 6 5.2 Riverine tailings disposal 8 5.2.1 Sediment load 8 5.2.2 Discharge of heavy metals 11 5.3 Environmental effects on the flood plain and Lake Murray 13 5.3.1 Mercury pollution 16 5.3.2 Health and social effects associated with the tailings disposal 18 6 Barrick’s response to the Council 20 7 The Council’s assessment 22 8 Conclusion 25 9 Recommendation 25 1 Introduction At a meeting held on 4 October 2005, the Council on Ethics for the Government Pension Fund – Global decided to assess whether investments in the company then known as Placer Dome, currently Barrick Gold Corporation, would imply a risk of the Fund contributing to severe environmental damage under the Ethical Guidelines, point 4.4. As of 31 December 2007 the Government Pension Fund – Global held shares worth some NOK 1,274 million in the company. Barrick Gold is a Canadian mining company, which, in several countries, has been accused of causing extensive environmental degradation. The Council has investigated whether riverine tailings disposal from the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea generates severe environmental damage, and finds it established that the mining operation at Porgera entails considerable pollution. The Council attributes particular importance to the heavy metals contamination, especially from mercury, produced by the tailings.
    [Show full text]
  • ADDRESSING ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE in the PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES Second-Largest Archipelago in the World Comprising 7,641 Islands
    ADDRESSING ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE IN THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES Second-largest archipelago in the world comprising 7,641 islands Current population is 100 million, but projected to reach 125 million by 2030; most people, particularly the poor, depend on biodiversity 114 species of amphibians 240 Protected Areas 228 Key Biodiversity Areas 342 species of reptiles, 68% are endemic One of only 17 mega-diverse countries for harboring wildlife species found 4th most important nowhere else in the world country in bird endemism with 695 species More than 52,177 (195 endemic and described species, half 126 restricted range) of which are endemic 5th in the world in terms of total plant species, half of which are endemic Home to 5 of 7 known marine turtle species in the world green, hawksbill, olive ridley, loggerhead, and leatherback turtles ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE The value of Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is estimated at $10 billion–$23 billion per year, making wildlife crime the fourth most lucrative illegal business after narcotics, human trafficking, and arms. The Philippines is a consumer, source, and transit point for IWT, threatening endemic species populations, economic development, and biodiversity. The country has been a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity since 1992. The value of IWT in the Philippines is estimated at ₱50 billion a year (roughly equivalent to $1billion), which includes the market value of wildlife and its resources, their ecological role and value, damage to habitats incurred during poaching, and loss in potential
    [Show full text]
  • Kinsley Technical Report
    MINE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES A Division of RESPEC TECHNICAL REPORT Of THE KINSLEY PROJECT, Elko and White Pine Counties, Nevada, U.S.A. Submitted to: Authors: Michael Gustin, C.P.G. Gary L. Simmons, MMSA QP 605 - 815 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6Z 2E6 Report Date: May 26, 2021 Effective Date: May 5, 2021 775-856-5700 210 S Rock Blvd Reno, NV 89502 www.respec.com MINE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES A Division of RESPEC CONTENTS 1.0 SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Location and Ownership ...................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Exploration and Mining History .......................................................................................... 2 1.3 Past Production ..................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Geology and Mineralization ................................................................................................. 3 1.5 Drilling, Sampling, Sample Preparation, Analysis, and Security ........................................ 4 1.6 Data Verification and Quality Assurance-Quality Control .................................................. 5 1.7 Metallurgical Testing ........................................................................................................... 6 1.8 Mineral Resource Estimate .................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Vedron Gold Inc.: Placer Dome Commences Follow-Up Drilling
    NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCNMatthews FOR: VEDRON GOLD INC. SHARES: 25,351,863 TSX VENTURE SYMBOL: YVG OCTOBER 21, 2002 - 09:15 EDT Vedron Gold Inc.: Placer Dome Commences Follow-up Drilling TORONTO, ONTARIO-- Timmins Gold Camp, Timmins, Ontario Vedron Gold Inc. is pleased to announce Placer Dome (CLA) Limited has commenced follow-up drilling on the Buffalo Ankerite property, on which Vedron holds a gold production royalty in the form of a Net Smelter Royalty. The Buffalo Ankerite Property is located directly south of the Fuller Deposit property where Vedron established a 700,000 ounce gold resource during 1996-1998. During April and May of this year Placer completed 23 drill holes on the Buffalo Ankerite property where nearly one million gold ounces were produced from 1926-1974. Placer plans to complete about 25 more drill holes in the current phase of program to confirm the presence of a potentially economic gold zone. The Vedron Fuller Deposit property and the Buffalo Ankerite property are adjacent to the Dome Mine operation, now part of the Porcupine Joint Venture with Kinross Gold, where Placer Dome produces in excess of 300,000 gold ounces per year. Vedron Gold holds the Fuller Deposit property subject to Placer earning their option to acquire the Fuller Deposit property and then making an acquisition payment plus production royalty payments. Vedron holds a 2% NSR on the Buffalo Ankerite property. Vedron recently announced the acquisition a production royalty on the Zenda Mine project in Kern County, California. Vedron Gold is continuing to review further possible royalty purchases.
    [Show full text]
  • Chronic Food Insecurity Situation Overview in 71 Provinces of the Philippines 2015-2020
    Chronic Food Insecurity Situation Overview in 71 provinces of the Philippines 2015-2020 Key Highlights Summary of Classification Conclusions Summary of Underlying and Limiting Factors Out of the 71 provinces Severe chronic food insecurity (IPC Major factors limiting people from being food analyzed, Lanao del Sur, level 4) is driven by poor food secure are the poor utilization of food in 33 Sulu, Northern Samar consumption quality, quantity and provinces and the access to food in 23 provinces. and Occidental Mindoro high level of chronic undernutrition. Unsustainable livelihood strategies are major are experiencing severe In provinces at IPC level 3, quality of drivers of food insecurity in 32 provinces followed chronic food insecurity food consumption is worse than by recurrent risks in 16 provinces and lack of (IPC Level 4); 48 quantity; and chronic undernutrition financial capital in 17 provinces. provinces are facing is also a major problem. In the provinces at IPC level 3 and 4, the majority moderate chronic food The most chronic food insecure of the population is engaged in unsustainable insecurity (IPC Level 3), people tend to be the landless poor livelihood strategies and vulnerable to seasonal and 19 provinces are households, indigenous people, employment and inadequate income. affected by a mild population engaged in unsustainable Low-value livelihood strategies and high chronic food insecurity livelihood strategies such as farmers, underemployment rate result in high poverty (IPC Level 2). unskilled laborers, forestry workers, incidence particularly in Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Around 64% of the total fishermen etc. that provide Maguindanao, Sarangani, Bukidnon, Zamboanga population is chronically inadequate and often unpredictable del Norte (Mindanao), Northern Samar, Samar food insecure, of which income.
    [Show full text]
  • One Big File
    MISSING TARGETS An alternative MDG midterm report NOVEMBER 2007 Missing Targets: An Alternative MDG Midterm Report Social Watch Philippines 2007 Report Copyright 2007 ISSN: 1656-9490 2007 Report Team Isagani R. Serrano, Editor Rene R. Raya, Co-editor Janet R. Carandang, Coordinator Maria Luz R. Anigan, Research Associate Nadja B. Ginete, Research Assistant Rebecca S. Gaddi, Gender Specialist Paul Escober, Data Analyst Joann M. Divinagracia, Data Analyst Lourdes Fernandez, Copy Editor Nanie Gonzales, Lay-out Artist Benjo Laygo, Cover Design Contributors Isagani R. Serrano Ma. Victoria R. Raquiza Rene R. Raya Merci L. Fabros Jonathan D. Ronquillo Rachel O. Morala Jessica Dator-Bercilla Victoria Tauli Corpuz Eduardo Gonzalez Shubert L. Ciencia Magdalena C. Monge Dante O. Bismonte Emilio Paz Roy Layoza Gay D. Defiesta Joseph Gloria This book was made possible with full support of Oxfam Novib. Printed in the Philippines CO N T EN T S Key to Acronyms .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. iv Foreword.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... vii The MDGs and Social Watch
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Annual Regional Economic Situationer
    2019 ANNUAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER National Economic and Development Authority MIMAROPA Region Republic of the Philippines National Economic and Development Authority MIMAROPA Region Tel (43) 288-1115 E-mail: [email protected] Fax (43) 288-1124 Website: mimaropa.neda.gov.ph ANNUAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER 2019 I. Macroeconomy A. 2018 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) Among the 17 regions of the country, MIMAROPA ranked 2nd— together with Davao Region and next to Bicol Region—in terms of growth rate. Among the major economic sectors, the Industry sector recorded the fastest growth of 11.2 percent in 2018 from 1.6 percent in 2017. This was followed by the Services sector, which grew by 9.3 percent in 2018 from 8.7 percent in 2017. The Agriculture, Hunting, Fishery and Forestry (AHFF) sector also grew, but at a slower pace at 2.6 percent in 2018 from 3.0 percent in 2017 (refer to Table 1). Table 1. Economic Performance by Sector and Subsector, MIMAROPA, 2017-2018 (at constant 2000 prices, in percent except GVA) Contribution Percent 2017 2018 GRDP Growth rate Sector/Subsector GVA GVA distribution growth (in P '000) (in P '000) 2017 2018 17-18 16-17 17-18 Agriculture, hunting, 26,733,849 27,416,774 20.24 19.12 0.5 3.0 2.6 forestry, and fishing Agriculture and 21,056,140 21,704,747 15.94 15.13 0.5 4.4 3.1 forestry Fishing 5,677,709 5,712,027 4.30 3.98 0.0 -1.9 0.6 Industry sector 42,649,103 47,445,680 32.29 33.08 3.7 1.6 11.2 Mining and 23,830,735 25,179,054 18.04 17.56 1.0 -5.5 5.7 quarrying Manufacturing 6,811,537 7,304,895
    [Show full text]
  • The Nevada Mineral Industry 1999
    Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Special Publication MI-1999 Metals Industrial Minerals The Nevada Oil and Gas Mineral Industry Geothermal 1999 Exploration Development Mining Processing This report, twenty-first of an annual series, describes 1999 mineral, oil and gas, and geothermal activities and accomplishments in Nevada: production statistics, exploration and development including drilling for petroleum and geothermal resources, discoveries of orebodies, new mines opened, and expansion and other activities of existing mines. Statistics of known gold and silver deposits, and directories of mines and mills are included. Mackay School of Mines UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO University and Community College System of Nevada 2000 Board of Regents Thalia Dondero, Chair Mark Alden David L. Phillips Jill Derby Howard Rosenberg Dorothy Gallagher Douglas Seastrand Douglas R. Hill Steve Sisolak Thomas E. Kirkpatrick Tom Weisner Jane Nichols, Interim Chancellor University of Nevada, Reno Joseph N. Crowley, President Mackay School of Mines Jane C.S. Long, Dean Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Jonathan G. Price, Director/State Geologist Scientific Research Staff Research and Administrative Support Staff Economic Geology Administration and Publication Sales Stephen B. Castor, Research Geologist Terri M. Garside, Executive Secretary John W. Erwin, Geophysicist (Emeritus) Cheryl Steed, Management Assistant Liang-Chi Hsu, Research Mineralogist (Emeritus) Charlotte Stock, Sales Manager Daphne D. LaPointe, Research Geologist Analytical Laboratory, Sample Curation, and Keith Papke, Industrial Minerals Geologist (Emeritus) Geologic Information Joseph V. Tingley, Research Geologist David Davis, Geologic Information Specialist Engineering Geology Paul J. Lechler, Chief Chemist/Geochemist John W. Bell, Research Engineering Geologist Mario Desilets, Chemist/Quality Assurance Officer Geoffrey Blewitt, Research Professor Bret Pecoraro, Laboratory Assistant Craig M.
    [Show full text]
  • Submission to the United Nations Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries
    Submission to the United Nations Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries In regard to the relationship between private military and security companies and extractive industry companies from a human rights perspective in law and practice This Submission is in regard to the North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania and the Porgera Joint Venture Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea. March 2019 Catherine Coumans, Ph.D. Table of contents Introduction p. 1 1. Context p. 2 2. The relationship between the mines’ security, the company and the State p. 6 3. Alleged human rights abuses of the mines’ security forces p. 12 4. International, national, and company-level regulations, p. 15 mechanisms and procedures, and standards 5. Recommendations p. 20 Introduction This submission is made in support of an investigation and forthcoming report by the United Nations Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries (the Working Group)1 that examines the relationship between private military and security companies and extractive industry companies from a human rights perspective. Following communications with the Working Group, this submission covers issues related to excess use of force by private mine security and by police who participate in securing mines through memorandums of understanding between mine proponents and police agencies of the states hosting the mines. The sections below follow organizational and informational guidelines provided by the Working Group.2 This submission highlights that: state security forces deployed with private security often abuse their power in violation of the human rights of local populations; corporate-led monitoring and responsive measures are insufficient both to prevent abuse and to ensure meaningful accountability; greater attention needs to be given to crafting robust remedy mechanisms for those who have been harmed by both public and private security at mine sites; and, international soft law guidance on these issues (e.g.
    [Show full text]