CASE STUDY

Goldcorp builds community trust through independent monitoring

Environmental monitoring at the Marlin mineSupporting the collection of independent monitoring data can be an important part of a mining company’s relationship with the local community. This has proved the case for Goldcorp which has supported the setting up of a community environmental monitoring association (known as AMAC) to monitor activities close to its Marlin mine in Guatemala, Central America.

The independent monitoring group met for the first time in 2005 and initially had representatives from nine of the communities surrounding the Marlin mine. Since then, AMAC has completed 11 quarterly sampling events with no significant water quality problems related to mining activities identified.

Protocol training

Field sampling protocol training has been required of all original members and must continue as trained members complete their term and new members arrive. The training included the use and calibration of field meters, sample bottle requirements, preservation and labelling requirements and chain of custody procedures. When it became clear to AMAC that sampling field protocol was critical to data integrity and also more complex than expected, it decided to request two technical advisors from the state university, the University of San Carlos (USAC).

It has been critical to ensure sustainable funding as part of the project. The ultimate goal is for AMAC to be financially independent of Goldcorp and at least reach the position where the mining company is not the major contributor.

Community award

In 2006, The Organismo Latinoamericano de Minería (Latin American Mining Industry Organization; OLAMI) awarded AMAC first prize for integrating mining and community in the most progressive way in Latin America. OLAMI cited their selection based on the scientific rigour, methodology and investigation of AMAC’s findings. While the Marlin mine has been accused by anti-mining interests of negative impacts to water quality, the availability of certified data has helped to refute the allegations and relieve community concerns over mining.

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CASE STUDY DETAILS

Published
03 August 2010
Company
Goldcorp

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