Mining and metals' sites loom high among "world''s worst places"

Mining and metals' sites loom high among "world''s worst places"

14th September 2007

The respected Blacksmith Institute last week published its 2008 report of the world’s “ten most polluted places.”

Its conclusions have gained headlines in much of the global press. Although the report recognises that remediation work at some sites listed a year ago has led to improvements, much of this is marginal or only just beginning to register. Some 2006 targeted sites have moved down, but still remain on the Institute's roll of the world’s worst thirty.

Once again, what stands out in the data is the degree to which mining and metals-related operations – primarily in China, India and Africa - contribute to a toll that, according to Blacksmith, potentially or actually endangers the well being of 40 million- plus people across the globe.

Three minerals operations listed in 2006 – La Oroya (Peru), Norilsk (Russia) and Kabwe (Zambia) – remain among the top ten worst sites for the second year running.

To access the complete report, go to:

http://www.blacksmithinstitute.org/wwpp2007/finalReport2007.pdf