Newsletter 13: Summer 2003

On September 12 to 13, MiningWatch Canada participated in a conference in Ottawa sponsored by the International Ban Asbestos Network entitled Canadian Asbestos: A Global Concern. The Conference was co-chaired by Joe Comartin (NDP MP for Windsor) and Elizabeth May of the Sierra Club of Canada. The almost 100 delegates came from trade unions, environmental and health organisations and asbestos victims groups around the world. The meeting included many prominent scientists and researchers.

On September 6, 2003, MiningWatch Canada had the privilege of attending a benefit concert organized by the Citizens’ Committee of Oka, the Band Council of Kanesatake, and the UPA (Union of Agricultural Producers) of Deux Montagnes in collaboration with l’Art Bleu from Eau Secours!, a Montreal-based NGO that works for the protection of water.

Vancouver-based Placer Dome is facing vehement opposition from indigenous Dayak communities, as well as from provincial government officials and an international consortium of Non-Governmental Organizations. Placer has started an exploration program in Indonesia’s oldest protected forest. The Meratus Mountain protected forest in South Kalimantan (formerly known as Borneo) has enjoyed protected status since 1928.