The Dec. 26 earthquake off the coast of Indonesia and the tsunami that followed caused a disaster and tragedy that devastated countries around the Indian Ocean. In many of these countries, mining companies are exploring for and exploiting natural resources. The mining industry continues to be criticized by civil society as focused only on the bottom line, for its lack of sensitivity to communities, and poor corporate responsibility. Now the industry has an opportunity to help their communities and demonstrate its altruism, concern and generosity by assisting the recovery.
Negative perceptions are easily formed and difficult to refute. The U.S. government experienced the difficulty of shaking off a perception of parsimony when its initial, US$15-million commitment to disaster relief ignited worldwide criticism — viewed by many as the catalyst to increase its commitment twice in a few days initially by US$20 million and then to the current US$350 million.
Some corporations immediately responded to a call for cash contributions. Examples include British Petroleum (US$3 million), Johnson & Johnson ($2 million, plus medicine), Pfizer ($10 million, and $25 million in medicine).
So far, Inco has donated $800,000; Alcoa has donated $65,000 and has agreed to match employee contributions; and BHP Billiton has donated $100,000. I am aware that one gold company is in the process of donating $50,000 and has agreed to match its employee contributions up to the same amount. The industry cannot afford to hide its generosity.
— The author is a New York City-based international development engineer.
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