The company has been accused of "human rights abuses and irresponsible practices" by Earthworks, an environmental organization, and others.[5][6]
Pollution and social impact
In October 2008, an instrument malfunction caused a spill of sodium cyanide, and the Ghanaian EPA determined that the company had violated its permits. The company was fined $4.9 million and the government agency determined that Newmont failed to appropriately report or investigate the spill.[7]
The cyanide spill caused a large fish kill. Newmont initially denied responsibility for the fish kill, stating that the deaths were due to over-population of the fish and depleted oxygen in the water. An independent investigation found high levels of cyanide in the fish, and that cyanide levels in the water were 1,400% higher than the World Health Organisation standard. The water also contained levels of cadmium and arsenic that far exceeded WHO safety standards.[8]
Earthworks reports that the mine displaced about 9,500 people who were mostly subsistence farmers.[9]
References
^Mitchell, John; Jorgensen, Mark K (2007). "Newmont's Ahafo Mine – Gold mining in West Africa". Mining Engineering. 59 (4): 23. ISSN0026-5187. OCLC124588954.
^"Stakeholder Engagement". CommDev. Retrieved 2021-08-19. Newmont Ahafo – Ghana: IFC worked to have 10,000 people successfully resettled into a new community. With our guidance, the company is on track to meet the regulatory target of using local firms for at least 10 percent of its procurement needs. It has led to 373 local businesses receiving contracts. 53 women-owned businesses incorporated into the supply chain, creating 176 additional jobs.
