RD Tuna in Papua New Guinea

Mining Monitor is still on leave [developing better site] but could not resist putting this up.

With some great links at Surviving the Cannery

New Mining Monitor

Mining Monitor is taking a break as we prepare to integrate some new functions into the website.

I hope you are enjoying the return of the mining monitor, if you are and want to see our coverage of Australian and International mining related stories continue and expand then please consider making a donation.

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In the meantime, here is a video from the Pilbara in Western Australia

And background from the world today

Rio Tinto mine divides local Indigenous community

ELEANOR HALL: The development of a Rio Tinto iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region has divided Indigenous people.

The development will involve damage to an ancient spring, which has been an important sacred site for local Indigenous people, for thousands of years.

Conservationists are also opposing Rio Tinto’s plans.

But other local Indigenous people are welcoming the financial support, which Rio is offering to the community, in pursuing the development.

In Perth, David Weber reports.

DAVID WEBER: The Weeli Wolli Spring lies near the Hope Downs mine site, about 75 kilometres north-west of Newman.

Rio Tinto’s de-watering operation would make it possible to exploit the ore body.

Local Indigenous people attach strong values to the Weeli Wolli Spring and the Creek. Slim Parker is a long-time campaigner on heritage and environmental issues.

SLIM PARKER: The continuous flow of that water impacts further on down the Weeli Wolli River itself on other areas of cultural significance to us. We as the traditional owners of our country have always been wanting to ensure that as minimal impact as possible happens on our country.

DAVID WEBER: Rio Tinto says it is complying with the recommendations of the EPA (Environment Protection Authority). The company says there will be ongoing monitoring of the impacts of the mine, and hopes to return the spring to its natural state.

The Conservation Council doubts that such promises can be made about the spring or the creek. The Council’s Chris Tallentire.

CHRIS TALLENTIRE: Massive amounts of water, good quality water being lost, indeed taken out of the natural environment at one place, from the Weeli Wolli Springs, and then replaced in the environment where we don’t want the water in large quantities, and that’s in the Weeli Wolli Creek.

DAVID WEBER: How much water?

CHRIS TALLENTIRE: About the same as one desalination plant’s annual production about 17 per cent of the city of Perth’s water requirements.

DAVID WEBER: And this wasn’t what was agreed to in the first place?

CHRIS TALLENTIRE: The EPA interestingly said that they thought any impact on the Weeli Wolli Creek and the Weeli Wolli Springs would be a fatal flaw in this project, that it shouldn’t go ahead if there was going to be a detrimental impact. And yet we’re seeing the detrimental impact and the project is going ahead.

DAVID WEBER: But some Indigenous people do support Rio’s approach. The Banyjima and Nyiyarparli groups have shared responsibility, and each have five members on the Weeli Wolli Creek Management Board.

The Chairman of the Board is Greg Tucker. Mr Tucker says no-one knows if the Rainbow Serpent is still in the Weeli Wolli Spring, but he says if it is there, it could be disturbed by mining activity.

GREG TUCKER: Well the Rainbow Serpent is either, we don’t know if it’s still there or not. The way the Rainbow Serpent used to dwell, it’s dry. And it could annoy him, it could develop into some, how you put it, it could be like a big storm, it could create a problem in the area.

DAVID WEBER: But the Indigenous people there are allowing Rio Tinto to go ahead.

GREG TUCKER: Well, we got no option on that. If we say no to Rio, they will go ahead anyway, I mean we haven’t got any way of stopping them, but the only thing we can do is to minimise it, like work together to look after it.

DAVID WEBER: Mr Tucker says that for Indigenous people to survive in remote areas, they need funding. And the funding hasn’t been coming from governments. Mr Tucker says a trust fund will be set up for royalty payments from the mine.

ELEANOR HALL: David Weber reporting.

Mining Death in El Salvador – Marcelo Rivera

The Pacific Rim mining company has been lobbying for years for drilling rights under the mountain of El Dorado, an ironically named landmark in El Salvador containing over $1.3 billion worth of gold and precious metals. These resources come at a price however – severe environmental and human rights concerns have fueled a healthy resistance against the company and their mining practices.

This short film takes a close look at the recent death of activist Marcelo Rivera, the current class-action lawsuit against El Salvadors government, and the connections between the two.

Sign the petition and send a personal message to the office of Arlen Specter demanding an investigation into this crime.

If that film didn’t touch your heart then try this one, you don’t have to understand the language to get the sentiment.

Under these wanted photo’s is another film, this time a news piece in English.

Often we never know who is responsible for human rights abuses within the mining industry. But here are the people responsible for Pacific Rim’s activities.

Catherine McLeod-Seltzer, Chairman

Catherine McLeod-Seltzer has enjoyed a broad and successful career in the mining industry, including co-founding and/or directing numerous successful mining ventures such as Arequipa Resources, Francisco Gold, Miramar Mining, Peru Copper, Bear Creek Mining, Stornoway Diamonds, and Kinross. Catherine brings an extensive knowledge of mining finance and public relations as well as her exceptional reputation and network of industry contacts to Pacific Rim’s Board of Directors.

Thomas C. Shrake, President and CEO, Director

As President and CEO of Pacific Rim, Tom Shrake oversees Pacific Rim’s technical programs and project acquisitions, and implements the Company’s objectives and strategies. Tom is a veteran explorationist and mine-finder, holding senior positions in the past with Gibraltar Mines and Placer Dome amongst others. Tom has numerous ore deposit discoveries to his credit, including the Lomas Bayas and Fortuna de Cobre deposits in Chile. Tom has his finger on the pulse of the mining industry and his market savvy is a strong balance to his technical expertise.

William Myckatyn, Lead Director

Bill Myckatyn is the co-founder of Quadra Mining Ltd. and the former President of Dayton Mining Corporation (a predecessor company of Pacific Rim). Amongst his previous career roles, Bill was the President and CEO of Gibraltar Mines, and stewarded the company’s $550 million CAD takeover by Westmin Resources in 1996. Bill is a mining engineer with extensive technical and management experience in mining development and operations.

Anthony Petrina, Director

Now retired, Tony Petrina has a wealth of experience in the mining industry. His 32-year career with Placer Dome included the roles of President, Vice-Chairman and CEO. Mr. Petrina was also a Director of Arequipa Resources and his expertise was integral in helping the company manage the takeover by Barrick.

David Fagin, Director

David Fagin lends his extensive experience in mining and finance to Pacific Rim’s Board as the Chair of the Audit Committee. David is the former COO of Homestake Mining Company and is currently a director of a number of mining and

exploration companies, and of various mutual funds of the T. Rowe Price Group.

Paul Sweeney, Director

Paul Sweeney is a senior financial executive with over 30 years of mining-related experience in finance, accounting and strategic planning as CFO for companies suc

h as Gibraltar Mines, Sutton Resources and Canico Resource Corp.