CASE STUDY - Grasberg mine (copper) Flashcards
Why is the Grasberg mine significant?
Produces around 230,000 tonnes of copper ore daily.
2nd largest copper mine in the world.
How large is the main open pit?
4 km wide open pit.
Deforestation and decreased biodiversity.
What environmental impact does the mine have to aquatic ecosystems?
Claims of acid rock drainage
threaten to contaminate local water supplies in watersheds
Also, reported increase in copper levels in marina fauna. FOOD CHAIN!
What kind of deposits are found in the area?
Porphyry deposits.
What geographical factors make mining there difficult?
Plate boundary
Lots of fold mountains
Require lots of technical machinery - 121km access road built (fumes and destruction - global warming)
What percentage of indigenous people are employed there?
20%
What impacts did the mine have on the natives?
Forced resettlement
destroying culturally significant sites
What is a consequence of the mine waste into the Wanagong river?
2 floods
2 deaths of workers
concerns over long term viability of settlement near the river (think water security, livelihoods etc…)
What is the name of the TNC that almost exclusively runs the mine?
Freeport American Mining company
At what altitude is the mine situated?
Nearly 14,000 altitude
to make the mine economically viable, what are the times the mines are in operation?
24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
What has made the deep mining techniques not environmentally beneficial?
The site was surface mined first.
What happens to the profits
Most pumped into the capital. Few benefits for those living near the mine.
What is the worth of the environmental damage caused by Freeport?
$13.25bn
How have the locals responded?
Matters in own hands.
Demonstrations.
Led to clashes with authorities.
