GOLDCORP INC. has been advised by the Government of Guatemala that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States has notified the State of Guatemala , that “after reviewing the extensive information provided by the parties, the IACHR decided to modify the precautionary measures” adopted in May 2010 with respect to the Marlin Mine. The modified precautionary measures do not request that operations at the Marlin Mine be suspended as did the initial precautionary measures. Normal operations have continued at Marlin throughout the IACHR process.
“Goldcorp is gratified that the IACHR has taken into account the extensive information available, including water quality monitoring since before mine construction began and technical studies, which demonstrates that the Marlin mine is not causing and has not caused harm to human health or the environment, and has removed the suspension of Marlin operations from the precautionary measures,” said Chuck Jeannes , Goldcorp President and Chief Executive Officer. “We take seriously our commitment to the responsible stewardship of the environment and to the human rights of the people in communities near Marlin. We are proud of Goldcorp’s record of safe, responsible conduct at Marlin and everywhere we operate.”
The IACHR’s action follows a petition by the Presidential Commission on Human Rights, on behalf of the Government of Guatemala , that the IACHR declare the precautionary measures without further effect. The Government’s petition was based on the determination of the administrative process specified by Guatemala’s Mining Law that “no proof exists that there is any situation presenting a threat of serious or imminent harm to persons or that there is a probability that any damage will materialize and therefore there does not exist a situation of extreme seriousness or urgency to avoid irreparable harm to persons as a result of operations at the Marlin mine.”
The modified precautionary measures request the Government to ensure the quality of water sources serving the 18 communities identified in the petition filed with the IACHR is suitable for potable, domestic and irrigation uses. The modified measures also request that the Government advise the IACHR as to the manner in which it is fulfilling this duty.
Since the start of operations at Marlin, Guatemala’s Ministry of Energy and Mines and Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources have monitored the Company’s mining activities. In addition, the Company and the Community Environmental Monitoring Association have monitored water quality in accordance with the requirements established in the environmental permits for the Mine. All results of this monitoring have indicated that the operations are carried out strictly in compliance with the applicable national and international standards.
The Marlin Mine currently employs 2,300 people with a payroll in 2011 totaling over $23.1 million . Approximately 70% of employees are Mayan indigenous residents of San Miguel Ixtahuacán and Sipacapa and 98% are from Guatemala .
Goldcorp is one of the world’s fastest growing senior gold producers. Its low-cost gold production is located in safe jurisdictions in the Americas and remains 100% unhedged.