VHeadline commentarist and gold investor Derek L. Metzer writes: In the latest from the 'Environmental Firebrand' of Venezuela, Yubiri Ortega, reiterated her stance on open pit mining in the Imitaca, and her opinion on that of foreign companies, especially mining companies.It is hard for one to argue that past exploits of foreign oil, coal, and other mining companies have left relative environmental damage through out the South Americas.
It is also hard to argue that this was not just a trend for South America. The Berkley pit in the State of Montana, USA, is considered one of, if not the most polluted bodies of water in the world. Sirens are sounded every few minutes to warn away water foul. A dip in those waters amounts to sure death. The pit is a remnant of a 20th century copper boom that slowly filled with acidic, heavy metal laced water.
A recent example of poor, past mining practices raised it's head in Pitcher, Oklahoma, USA ... a town, in short, that has been closed down due to Lead pollution from it's lead and zinc mines that helped fuel the second World War.
Unfortunately for Minister Ortega, it is these same arguments that actually offer a counterpoint to her own. It is these same arguments that also show that she is either out of touch with the people of Venezuela, or she does not understand the technical aspect of her job.
The current environmental degradation in Venezuela that Minister Ortega rails against is actually by the outdated mining techniques of the Venezuelan people themselves or by other illegal miners that have invaded the areas from neighboring countries such as Brazil.
It is also well documented that on sites such as Las Cristinas, there has already been severe damage done by these and past miners, leaving the area covered in mercury contaminated soils and water.
The solution to this dilemma is to actually dig up the polluted soil and process out the heavy metals, which can be done with proper modern mining techniques and processes at no cost to the Venezuelan government.
Now I ask, would that not be in the "National Interest" of Venezuela?
Minister Ortega has a funny point of view when it comes to "National Interest" ... by banning mining in one of the poorest regions of Venezuela, she is against job creation, and for job destruction. In fact Minister Ortega has a history of placing the environment first, and placing Venezuelans on the street. She has used the TO5 as an literal brute squad, evicting miners and confiscating and destroying equipment.
Now I am all for protecting the environment, but I am also for the positive development of poorer people ... balanced and responsible actions must be taken.
The 'take it all, and leave nothing but waste', actions of past companies is wrong, but so is the 'Anti-development, and progression' policy that Minister Ortega's department is taking. With her current statements, I wonder just how much the environment drives her decisions compared for her apparent dislike of Foreign companies. Minister Ortega was quoted by the AP saying, 'The government is going to favor national interests over those of foreign companies in the mining sector.'
Once again, I ask, what is her view of "National Interest"?
Chavez has recently spoken of increasing foreign investment in Venezuela. Yet due to the actions of Minister Ortega, the thought of foreign investment in Venezuela seems very risky ... is it Chavez' stance to support what seems to be a counter policy to his own?
In conclusion to Minister Ortega's statements, one can only guess that her vision of "National Interest" includes ... job destruction, minimizing job creation, closing down health clinics supported by foreign companies, ending the construction of a hospital by a foreign company, ending the development of water treatment plants funded by foreign companies, reduction in housing for the poor built by foreign companies, the disorganization of the mining community spurring further illegal and environmentally devastating practices, and finally, not correcting the damages caused by past mining practices.
Venezuela is rich in gold and other natural resources... It seems in Venezuela's best interest to responsibly develop and tax them, hold foreign companies responsible, and educate their own people to proper mining practices.
If not properly handled, the gold alone will continue to bring in illegal miners ... and they will continue to use improper and environmentally damaging practices.
They will sell the gold on the Black Market or smuggle it out of the country ... foreign investment will dry up ... and Venezuela will be the poorer for it.
Derek L Metzer
the_celt_beserk@msn.com
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