For example, after QMM is compromised The company maintains that the QMM is an environmental buffer zone extending up to 167m beyond its permissible limits, and placed the tailings on the bed of Lake Besaroy.
After two years of investigation, finally forced to Acknowledgment of violations by QMMRio Tinto assured shareholders that, according to the Madagascar government, there were “no major issues” with the breach and the impact was “negligible”.
However, neither the company nor the government can provide a single technical study to support this analysis.Eventually the company admitted that Not aware of any such reports.
government role
Poor reporting is especially problematic because QMM has financial ties to environmental regulators, paying them at least $40,000 a year to monitor the mine’s performance.
As co-owner of the mine, the Madagascan government is at odds. Rio Tinto has pledged to advance multimillion-dollar dividends to the government this year as part of its recent QMM programme. sign a new lease protocol.
This is an election year, and the ruling party desperately needs good news and campaign funds.
firewall
In addition to exempting operations that violate Madagascar law (such as QMM’s unauthorized buffer zone sabotage), the government provides useful firewall for the company.
QMM has often claimed that it cannot share technical reports unless government regulators agree, and has insisted on direct requests for QMM reports to regulators.
The National Office for the Environment (ONE) and the National Water Agency ANDEA rarely publish or provide easy access to their QMM reports.
An example is the report of fish kills following tailings dam failure in 2022. ANDEA did not publish these studies. However, civil society obtained the data and it was analyzed by radiology expert Dr. Swanson.
Swanson summarized the study and insufficient reportingbecause “there are insufficient data to support clear statements about risks to fish or humans.”
unscientific
throughout 2022, and 2023 AGM, Rio Tinto These studies are cited to assert that QMM mines are not associated with fish kills.
It’s ironic that QMM, while keeping fish kills at bay, was quick to install a $13 million treatment plant to address the worst of the problems. Possible Causes of Fish Deaths: Acidic mine drainage from high aluminum and low pH, as found in QMM mine pool water.
Questions about how QMM will handle the toxic waste from this new treatment plant, as well as other heavy metals in the basin waters, for example, uranium and lead, Still no reply.
human rights
In fact, the company has failed to answer dozens of technical questions since 2017, to the dismay of locals. endured for twenty years Poor communication from QMM.
At a meeting with Malagasy civil society representatives in 2022, Rio Tinto’s chief executive acknowledged the failure of QMM’s Community Social Performance (CSP).
Last year’s fish kills alone caused months of misery and conflict that remain unresolved to this day.
The compensation process for more than 5,000 villagers was reportedly compromised following the conflict resolution process last May human rights violation and underpayment.
In April, Rio Tinto refused permission to independent audit QMM’s indemnification process to resolve non-compliance issues. An audit may have fixed the problem and helped prevent the current riots.
repeat conflict
Clashes flared up again in June, with more than 15,000 villagers signing a petition demanding an end to mining while addressing issues such as water and compensation.
QMM did not accept requests for direct dialogue from local associations, leading to street protests. 120 villagers dispersed by armed militia Arrested 87 people were imprisoned, including women.
The state prosecuted the protesters and issued arrest warrants for their leaders. They were charged with “undermining national security” and risked five years in prison. This is the fourth clash in less than two years.
Rio Tinto blamed the clashes with security forces on villagers and distanced itself from the arrests. However, in Rio Tinto’s QMM joint venture with the Madagascar government, the partners are jointly and severally liable for each other’s actions.
While there will be no penalty for the company’s actions, the villagers face jail terms and legal action, especially if they dispute the outcome of QMM’s grievance process. The parent company has acknowledged the process does not meet international standards.
independent review
The company apparently refused to allow independent auditors to the site. The ACCR said QMM’s refusal to be audited was sufficient grounds for an independent audit and that the company ran the risk of harming its own interests. social license.
Rio Tinto’s legacy bougainville island and Ten Views Canyon The disaster provides ample lessons for reviewing QMM’s situation to ensure the company does not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Going forward, it is in everyone’s interest now to ensure an independent audit of QMM.
ecologist Rio Tinto was sought for comment but has yet to hear back.
the author
Yvonne Orengo is an independent communications consultant and director Andrew Lees Trust (ALT UK) is a UK charity established in 1994 following the death of its namesake. ALT UK is working with Publish What You Pay (PWYP) in Madagascar and international campaigners to research and advocate for the impact of the QMM mine on rural communities in Anosi in southern Madagascar. Yvonne lives and works in southern Madagascar, working on social and environmental programs and following the development of Rio Tinto/QMM mines for almost three decades.
