Reader rebuttal (August 01, 2006)

On corporate responsibility

The article by Jaquelina Jimena (CMJ February 2006) about Meridian Gold was very interesting. I am a mining supervisor with Procon Mining and I am also an investor in stocks. I have been mining for 30 years and have worked in Northern Saskatchewan for seven years and the past six years have been in the NWT at a diamond mine, so I can certainly relate to your article.

We are dealing with people with a different culture. It’s never easy but we must try and understand what’s best for the northern people and how to provide for them in the best way. It is challenging to say the least, but I have no problem dealing with Northern people. I would imagine the same problems exist with the communities in Argentina.

Clarence Keough, supervisor Procon Mining Ekati mine, NWT

Jaquelina Jimena’s recent article (CMJ February 2006) was both very interesting and, no doubt, accurate. In fact, her insight also applies to other forms of development on lands inhabited by indigenous people.

My associates are involved in heritage studies, energy alternatives and finding the best means to preserve the culture of all individuals/groups affected by changing times… including industrial-mining-commercial-energy developments. It is not an easy task, as you well know.

Thanks for your recommendations!

John Dickson, senior consultant Canadian Cultural Resource Consultants Inc. London, ON