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Placer Dome leaves a legacy of destruction on tiny Pacific Island

Indigenous landowners impacted by Placer Dome subsidiary, Misima Mine on the vulnerable small Pacific island of Misima in Papua New Guinea have sent out a plea to their government to take strong action against the company, and internationally called on Placer Dome to rectify its previous neglect and disregard for the interests of communities impacted by the mine.
  • Misima landowner’s statements >>
  • Misima landowners demands to the company and their government >>
  • NGO media release: International condemnation of Placer's façade of sustainability >>

    Placer Dome is seeking to quickly leave Misima, despite the fact that the Governor of the Province where the mine is located has refused to sign off on the mine closure plan due to concern over unresolved social, environmental and economic issues.
    Cyanide spill, environment problems
    Landowners continue to seek just responses from the company for the recent cyanide spill (more >>) that lead to fish kills on the island, and to other environmental and social issues (more >>) that threaten their livelihood on the small island.
    Ocean dumping
    The mine uses the controversial practice of ocean dumping (submarine tailings disposal) – the same practice as a Newmont mine in Buyat Bay in Indonesia that is under police investigation for polluting the oceans and poisoning local communities. This practice is not permitted in countries such as Australia or Canada. “our island is too small and our oceans too precious…” says Misiman landowner (more >>).

    • Ok Tedi settlement rejected
    Objection Komopkin Village Reps: "Our objection therefore is - Where is the evidence that the Company (OTML/BHP-B) have complied with all environmental standardsof the state of Papus New Guinea and the International standard? Where is the evidence of the physical construction of the "Tailings Pipeline"? Where is the evidence that the water is safe to drink? Where is the evidence that there is no proof … of endangerment by "Acid Rock Drainage"?" (Full Text >>)

    Objection Jimmy Woia: "The main question is who is really responsible for the environmental damages caused to the whole ecosystems? Would there be any evident of such massive destruction caused by Mine activities in Australia? What would substitute the lost of our fish, our sago swamps, the riches soil at river banks, food crops, washing and drinking places, etc?" (Full Text >>)
    Affidavit Fly River Group: "We swear on oath … (3) That the impact has extended further down the river and has affected the Eco-system of the river, therefore, we have taken the oportunity in this Court, that there is no such thing as a "tailing pipeline" physically on the ground as allegation brought by BHP and Ok Tedi. Rather the impact is ever greater than prior to 1996…(4) The "Community Mine Continuation Agreement" was never explained to the villages. Insofar as we understand it takes away our right of land it breaches the constitution of our country." (Full Text >>)

    Also available: OTML newsletter jumps the gun >>