Newmont Mining Corp.’s policies to engage with communities where it mines gold are “quite good” but there are significant gaps between those policies and actual practices at the mine sites.
An independent, 18-month global review released today criticized the Denver gold producer, saying there’s a “consistent lack of accountability in the implementation of Newmont’s community relations objectives.”
“From our perspective, the (review conclusion) is not necessarily a surprise because social engagement is probably the least developed of the social disciplines,” said Newmont spokesman Omar Jabara.
“Community engagement is not learned in an academic environment, it is learned by doing it.
“Implementing the review recommendations will provide Newmont a competitive advantage by positioning the company as an industry leader in social engagement.”
Newmont paid for the review which studied the company’s operations at mines in Peru, Indonesia, New Zealand, Ghana and Nevada.
The review resulted from a shareholder resolution sponsored by Christian Brothers Investment Services Inc. and 10 other faith-based investors in April 2007, close on the heels of Newmont’s numerous conflicts with local communities at mine sites across the world.
Staff writer Gargi Chakrabarty can be reached at 303-954-2976 or at gchakrabarty@denverpost.com
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