Expert Meeting

on ecological and human right consequences on cyanide based gold mining

On the effects of Gold mining using cyanide process on the ecology and humanity.

On the initiative of FIAN (International Peoples Right Organization) a meeting on the activities of German Development Society in Gold mining using cyanide process in Ghana, Peru and New-Guinea was held.

Organizers were Third World from the Foundation Redistribution, State partnerships Berlin-Köpenick-Cajamarca (Peru), Federation of German Trade Union region Berlin and FIAN (Food first Information & Action Network).

Under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. h. c. mult. Paul Müller (University Saarbrücken) and in the presence of Gila Altman (State secretary Ministry of Environment, Germany) and scientific representatives Prof. (em) Dr. Friedhelm Korte (Technical University Munich). Prof. Dr. Ismail Duman (Technical University Istanbul), Dr. Thomas Rüde (University Munich) and Petra Sauerland (Chairman Peoples-Right-Organization FIAN-D) the Berlin Declaration on Gold mining using cyanide process was unanimously passed.

1. Critical scientific analysis (especially, eco-chemistry, bio-geographical, hydrological and geochemical ecosystems) emphatically prove that the cyanide process in Gold mining cannot be accepted because of its irreversible damage to the ecosystems. The necessary safe technologies (like detoxification, neutralization, reduction in the availability to the ecosystems among other heavy metals) are only in a limited way available. They cannot guarantee safe Gold mining. Considering economics, water conservation, chemical and protection of nature, Gold mining using cyanide in the open field under the German and EU law is not authorized.

2. Ecosystems analysis at the site of operations prove that in tropical and subtropical zones there is an occurrence of periodic crisis. The technologies to reduce the risk are not manageable and cannot be controlled. Bursting of dams, leakages, transport accidents (for example: Summitville, Colorado/USA 1993; Harmony Mine, South Africa 1994; Manila, Philippines 1995; Omai, Guayana 1995; Homestake Mine South Dakota, USA 1996; Gold Quarry Mine Nevada territory of Western Shoshone, USA 1997; Kumtor, Kirgistan 1998; Baia Mare, Romania 2000) and other smaller accidents indicate worldwide that the concerned firms do not act carefully.
   

3. The economic analysis indicates that the activities of the main Gold producers (for example: Anglo Gold, South Africa; Gold Fields, South Africa; Rio Tinto, UK/AUstralia; Newmont, USA; Barrik, Canada; Placer Dome; Canada; BHP, Australia; Normandy, Australia) are concentrated in poor countries and regions with low production costs, insufficient legal standards and controls

4. Analysis of the social effects on the people and the humanitarian situation prove that there is no positive effects by Gold mining using cyanide process. Short term gains (more jobs) always follows a permanent fall from the previous standards.

5. This negative balance proves that cyanide Gold mining permanently contradicts the 1992 decalartion of Rio. It destroys, in long term, the basic necessities of life and threaten adequate nourishment. The public money sanctioned by the governments for the promotion of Gold mining projects are to be stopped and, where necessary, the affected people should receive compensation.