Newmont, the mining group previously accused of causing environmental
damage, is helping an Indonesian fishery company to build a processing
plant and an ice factory providing cheaper and better access to ice for
keeping fish fresh before it is sold. The project is one of several in
the agriculture, fishing, microfinance and small business sectors that
Newmont is carrying out in communities affected by its Minahasa mine
closure.
The group says in its report, Now and Beyond 2004, that these
initiatives are part of its policy to encourage the development of
replacement businesses in areas where unemployment follows the closure
of its operations.
Newmont reports that it has consulted interested parties over suspected
contamination after the disposal of mine tailings in Buyat Bay,
Indonesia, but has not given their views. However, it is carrying out a
follow-up to the report, which will give it the opportunity to publish
stakeholder comment. Initial studies by the World Health Organization
and the Indonesian environment ministry failed to show high amounts of
arsenic and mercury near the disposal site, but the government has
disputed the findings and prosecutors have filed criminal charges
against a senior Newmont executive.
Reporting on its investments in communities in the areas where it
operates, Newmont reveals that last year it contributed $27million
(£15m) worldwide in cash and $5.6m in kind. In Australia it is to raise
$736,500 towards a new aircraft for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
