GUEST COLUMN — Avoiding abduction

Recent reports of kidnappings of pipeline workers in Ecuador and a mine technician in Nicaragua have raised concerns over the safety of Canadians working in Latin America.

It must be recognized that hostage-takings are more common than reported and that, although most tend to be short-lived and pass without injury, they can often be avoided.

Kidnappings can be classified according to motives: an attempt to gain the attention of the company; for ransom; or to make a political statement.

Of the three, the first type is by far the most common, although they are rarely talked about. Typically, a geologist, technician or driller is captured by local people, who then make demands on the company in return for release. Such incidents are often over in a few hours, though they can be drawn out for days. The hostage may be roughed up, and the experience is undeniably frightening and unpleasant, but it is extremely rare for real harm to be inflicted and deaths are virtually unknown.

Almost without exception, such incidents are triggered by the community’s frustration with some aspect of the exploration program. It is often a sign that community relations have broken down. In situations where community relations have been badly managed or ignored, it can be the first indication that the project is considered unacceptable and that the community will oppose further exploration.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a minor industry in several Latin American countries. Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Brazil are especially risky. Such kidnappings occur most frequently in urban areas and are often linked to organized crime. These kidnappers usually target executives or others who appear wealthy or are employed by companies thought to be wealthy. The risk of harm in these situations can be high if they are not handled properly, and it would appear that about one in 10 hostage-takings of this type results in death. Financially motivated kidnappings also take place in the field, as the Greystone incident in Colombia earlier this year illustrates. In these circumstances, the company, rather than the individual, is often the target, and motives sometimes overlap.

Hostage-taking for political reasons, though it occurs infrequently, has been observed in several Latin American countries. These types are perhaps the most risky for the abductee. Politically motivated kidnappers have no vested interest in the security of the people they have captured. The objective is to show strength, intimidate foreigners or embarrass authorities. As such, a corpse is often more effective in making the statement than returning a frightened gringo to his family.

Risk of abduction can be significantly reduced by following several simple procedures.

Community relations aimed at ensuring the project is acceptable to the local people is important. Social acceptance will essentially remove hostage situations arising from frustration and provide a significant buffer against kidnapping for ransom and political motives. Gaining social acceptance should be a prime objective of the exploration team from its first arrival on the property. Community relations should be based on open communication in which the company listens, understands and responds to the concerns of the community.

Simultaneously, the company must provide advance notice of what will happen at the project site, be fair and equitable with local people in employment and compensation for land, and respectful of local culture and customs regarding land use. Mutual understanding is the basis of trust. Potential difficulties can be anticipated and managed long before confrontations that can result in the taking of hostages.

If a project is accepted by the community, there is less risk of political or ransom kidnappings. The risk is not entirely eliminated, however, since outsiders may still see an opportunity for financial or political gain in abducting company personnel.

Urban areas present more complex challenges, and groups specializing in security issues and insurance companies can offer specific advice. The risk is greatest in cities with a culture of kidnapping, and companies must take steps to avoid exposing personnel needlessly.

It seems unlikely that the basic reasons for hostage-taking will change in the near future. Furthermore, with the mining sector recovering and exploration starting to pick up, the risks of incidents at field projects may well increase unless good community relations are maintained.

The social and socio-political forces that have created difficulties for mineral exploration and mine development throughout the Americas have continued to grow during the downturn of the past two years. Explorers will be returning to find communities that are even more sensitive to their rights and which have even greater expectations that companies will be responsive to their needs.

Social issues continue to be the greatest challenge facing the mining industry as we enter the next millennium. Exploration groups would be wise to acquire the skills necessary to meet this challenge.

— The author is a Vancouver-based consultant specializing in the management of social risk. He can be reached at rockdoc@direct.ca