Artisanal mining can be a major source of income for rural populations. Because artisanal miners often use primitive and low-cost technologies in their attempt to maximize incomes, they expose themselves and others in the region to increased environmental and health risks.

To help prevent serious incidents to Antofagasta and Tocopilla artisan miners, El Abra provided them with personal protection equipment. Helmets, goggles, shoes and clothing were provided through an alliance with the Mining Regional Ministerial Secretariat and the National Geology and Mining Service. Members of our Occupational Health and Safety Management Team also provided free workshops to about 80 artisanal miners to improve their awareness and accident prevention.

In Indonesia, the increased price of gold has enabled its profitable recovery from the tailings stream by panners not licensed by the Government of Indonesia. Panners have moved into the area by the thousands, straining resources (particularly medical resources) and pressuring the local population. The unlicensed panners are not considered traditional miners, as their activity is recent and they are not native to the area. Due to steep gradients and heavy rainfall, panning activity is very hazardous and a number of panners have drowned. There is also a concern about the possible use of mercury by the panners in refining the illegally panned gold. PT Freeport Indonesia is working with local authorities to facilitate an educational program for village leaders, gold shop owners and the local community on the health and environmental dangers of using mercury in the illegal panning and processing of gold.

The local government, Mimika Regency, has banned panning because of the hazards and has prohibited the use of mercury in panning activities. The Papua Provincial Governor has asked the Papuan Legislative Council to adopt a similar measure. Because the panning is an economic issue, PT Freeport Indonesia is working with local government officials and the leaders of the panning communities to find alternative employment.

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