Mercosur and EU clash over mining environmental regulations

Thursday, June 17th 2010 - 03:19 UTC

Full article 3 comments

Mercosur and associate members Chile and Ecuador rejected environmental regulations for the mining sector, under consideration by the European parliament and which could become a barrier for minerals’ exports to the EU. Read full article

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harrier61
It is not often that I agree with the EU but on this occasion I do. A little research into the process of cyanide mining indicates that it can result in the collapse of whole food chains. Co-existent with this is the distinct possibility of contamination of foodstuffs. The EU must act to protect the citizens of its member states.
Jun 17th, 2010 - 11:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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jerry
harrier61 - This comment probably sounds a little picky, but actually, there is no such thing as “cyanide mining”. However, cyanide can be used in the milling and recovery process of the particular metal you are mining for, especially gold. But, almost 40 years ago, a recovery process was established using charcoal instead of cyanide, which proved more successful and cheaper than using cyanide, and it is totally environmental friendly. I do not understand why the cyanide process is still being used, but I am not a metallurgist, so perhaps these mining companies know something which I do not!
Jun 17th, 2010 - 02:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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harrier61
Thank you, jerry. I was aware of the points you make. I used the term simply as a “short form”. I think we can agree that mining interests in the relevant countries are using dangerous outdated processes that place not only their own people but, where the the possibility of contamination of foodstuffs exists, people all around the world at grave risk.
Jun 18th, 2010 - 02:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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