Toronto-based mining company Barrick Gold, operating in San Juan, Argentina, has spilled approximately 1.072 million litres of a cyanide solution, affecting the rivers Potrerillos, Jachal, Las Taguas, and Blanco. Attributed to a valve failure, the September 12 spill was originally reported as being around 224,000 litres, almost a fifth of what the final report stated. At just under half the volume of a standard Olympic-sized swimming pool, the leak has pushed the company to issue a suspension order to company operations.
Cyanide, used in extracting gold from processed rocks in the mine, can be fatal to humans at around 1.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It functions by inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase, a protein used in cellular respiration, without which an organism effectively cannot use oxygen. Lower doses cause weakness, vertigo, and headaches, prior to loss of consciousness. Higher doses or prolonged exposure leads to deep coma and ultimately cardiac arrest.
The Veladero mine, at which the incident occurred, is one of the largest gold mines in the country. It was discovered that a floodgate, which should have stopped the spill from reaching the river, had been open during the spill. Barrick has determined that the spill poses no threat to the health of local communities living downriver, and that immediate action was taken in order to stop the spill when it occurred. However, other environmental impacts cannot yet be discounted, with the Argentine government advising locals to drink bottled water until investigations have been completed.
Considered the largest gold mining company in the world, Barrick Gold has struggled to maintain a good or even trustworthy relationship with environmental groups and communities. Labeled as one of the “12 Least Ethical Companies in the World,” the company is now facing a lawsuit for potential environmental damages stemming from this spill. With details shrouded in secrecy, it has been suggested that the gravity of the incident has been downplayed by both the company and the government.
A report published jointly by MiningWatch Canada and the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group last month has determined that Barrick Gold is one of a number of companies whose influence has led to attacks and repression on environmental activist groups in South America. Despite this, due to continuing support of mining activities for economic growth, Barrick has remained successful, given rapidly rising gold prices.
Investigations on the incident are still underway, and for the time being, it is still unclear how dire the situation in Argentina is. Locals are not unreasonable in doubting the word of the company, especially given that they’ve received mixed messages from the government. Perhaps this incident will spur further action for the protection of environmental affairs in Latin America… or perhaps not.
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