University of Vermont ScholarWorks @ UVM Graduate College Dissertations and Theses Dissertations and Theses 2008 Evaluating Environmental Risks in Mining: a Perceptual Study Mary Ackley University of Vermont Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis Recommended Citation Ackley, Mary, "Evaluating Environmental Risks in Mining: a Perceptual Study" (2008). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses. 7. https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/7 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Dissertations and Theses at ScholarWorks @ UVM. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate College Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ UVM. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EVALUATING ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS IN MINING: A PERCEPTUAL STUDY AT THE VATUKOULA GOLD MINE IN FIJI A Thesis Presented by Mary Ackley to The Faculty of the Graduate College of The University of Vermont In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science Specializing in Natural Resources May, 2008 Accepted by the Faculty of the Graduate College, The University of Vermont, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science specializing in Natural Resources. Thesis Examination Committee: MA&^ Mvisor Saleem H. Ali, Ph.D. Thomas R. Hudspeth, Ph.D. 7v'---- 7 . y?-- Chairperson Kie* Killeen, Ph. D. Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies Date: March 17, 2008 ABSTRACT Gold mining is often associated with positive economic benefits; however, it may also have negative impacts on the environment and human health. It is essential that communities understand the risks and benefits associated with mining, particularly in developing countries where there is often a lack of legislation governing the environmental performance of mining corporations. The perceptions of local people regarding the risks and benefits of mining may differ significantly from those of company representatives, policy makers, and the scientific community. Indeed, public concerns have sometimes been ignored or downplayed by those responsible for the implementation of environmental policies and practices. Examination of the complex social, economic, psychological, political, and cultural factors influencing risk perception in mining communities is thus important for successful risk communication and management. Issues arising from the interplay between socio-economic benefits and risks are particularly acute in small island states which have isolated and highly limited economic development trajectories. The lessons learned in such cases are therefore instructive for crisis planning across the developing world. This study conducted firsthand empirical research into the perception of environmental and health risks in the communities surrounding the Vatukoula gold mine in Fiji. Primary data was obtained through a survey questionnaire designed to quantify and evaluate perceived risks (n= 340, representing approximately 24% of the target population). Concurrently, environmental samples were collected to assess the extent of environmental impacts at the study site. Study results revealed that gender is an important variable in risk perception at Vatukoula. Major findings include: (1) women feel they have less knowledge about the risks of mining compared to men; (2) women feel they have less control to avoid the risks of mining compared to men; and (3) women and men tend to receive risk messages from different sources. The information obtained during this study was made directly available to local stakeholders, to aid in risk management and decision-making. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First, I would like to express my gratitude to the many people in Fiji who assisted me throughout this project. Vinaka vakalevu to Romeo Kivi, Ponipate Ravula, Joesfa Sandreu, and all the people of Vatukoula, who welcomed me into their homes and lives, even during difficult times. In particular, I am humbled by the boundless support, patience, and generosity of Pita Vatucawaqa and his family. I would also like to thank my advisor, Saleem Ali, who encouraged me to take on international research, and provided support and guidance throughout this project. My gratitude is also extended to my entire committee, Tom Hudspeth, Kieran Killeen, and Sasha Davis for their encouragement and patience. I would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, and support from the University of the South Pacific, the United States Peace Corps, the World Health Organization, the Government of Fiji, Westech Pty Ltd., Emperor Mines Ltd., and the individuals at these organizations who provided valuable feedback and assistance during this project. Finally, my family and friends have been my foundation throughout my masters program. Without their support and encouragement I certainly could not have finished this project. A special thank you also goes to Kristian, who shared in all of my adventures and supported me along the way. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................. ii LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................................vi LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................... vii CHAPTER 1: VATUKOULA, ROCK OF GOLD.......................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................. 1 1.2. Location................................................................................................................. 3 1.3. Geology.................................................................................................................. 5 1.4. Profile of a Developing Island Economy............................................................... 6 1.5. Historical Context.................................................................................................. 7 1.5.1. Discovery of Gold............................................................................................. 7 1.5.2. Historical Contribution of Vatukoula to the Fiji Economy .............................. 9 1.5.3. Development of a Company Town................................................................. 10 1.6. Broader Applicability of the Fiji Case................................................................. 11 CHAPTER 2: HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND CONFLICTS AT VATUKOULA........................................................................................................ 14 2.1. Historical Environmental Concerns..................................................................... 14 2.2. Historical Conflicts.............................................................................................. 17 2.2.1. Labor Conflicts ............................................................................................... 17 2.2.2. Land Conflicts ................................................................................................ 19 CHAPTER 3: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF GOLD MINING.............. 22 3.1. Overview of Mine Processes at Vatukoula.......................................................... 22 3.2. Cyanidation.......................................................................................................... 22 3.3. Chemical Transportation and Storage ................................................................. 23 iii 3.4. Disposal of Mine Wastes ..................................................................................... 23 3.5. Environmental and Health Effects of Cyanide .................................................... 25 3.6. Environmental and Health Effects of Arsenic ..................................................... 27 CHAPTER 4: REGULATORY CONTEXT ................................................................. 29 4.1. Organization........................................................................................................ 29 4.2. Existing Legislation............................................................................................. 30 CHAPTER 5: UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS.............................. 33 5.1. Risk Perception.................................................................................................... 33 5.2. Risk Communication........................................................................................... 37 5.2.1. Risk Communication Challenges ................................................................... 37 5.2.2. Best Practices in Risk Communication........................................................... 41 CHAPTER 6: MINING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT............................. 44 6.1. Proceed With Caution: The Resource Curse....................................................... 47 6.2. Stepping Towards Sustainability in the Extractive Industries............................. 51 CHAPTER 7: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........................................................... 58 7.1. Risk-Perception Survey....................................................................................... 58 7.1.1. Survey Instrument........................................................................................... 64 7.1.2. Data Analysis .................................................................................................