Anglo American's Environmental and Social Track Record

Anglo American PLC, one of the companies behind the proposed Pebble copper and gold mine in Alaska, professes to uphold high standards of corporate social responsibility, but a review of its track record issued last year describes toxic mine waste spills, air and water pollution, workplace fatalities and uprooted communities at mines owned by the London-based corporation and its subsidiaries.

The report, “Anglo American’s Track Record: Rhetoric or Reality?” was prepared by Phil Mattera, a veteran corporate researcher in Washington, D.C. Mattera is the author of four books, including World Class Business: A Guide to the 100 Most Powerful Global Corporations, and is a member of the National Writers Union.

Glenn Miller, professor of natural resources and environmental sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno, published an opinion piece in the Anchorage Daily News in 2008 describing why he believes “the threats posed by Pebble loom larger than any mine developed in the last 30 years in the United States.” Miller’s piece details extensive airborne mercury pollution from the Jerritt Canyon gold mine in Nevada formerly owned by Anglo American through a subsidiary. The mercury pollution occurred on Anglo American's watch, and for years, the company failed to address this serious health concern as well as water contamination problems.

Anglo American’s Track Record: Rhetoric or Reality?

• Executive Summary
• Full Report

 

Alaskans Greet Anglo American with Protest

On March 30, Sir Mark Moody, Board Chair of Anglo American paid a visit to Bristol Bay.