"「川に鉱毒が…」「ロマンだよ」　外資の金山開発に揺れる地元," 16 November 2024

[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

In Kuromatsunai Town, Hokkaido, Australian mining company, Kin-Gin Exploration Pty., held a public meeting to explain its plans to redevelop a gold mine. There were many voices of opposition to the project.

At the meeting, residents of the town concerned about the environmental impact of the project criticised the project and asked questions. Some residents, concerned about the risk of damage from toxic substances leaking out of the mine, called for the project to be halted, while others expressed hope that the discovery of a new vein of ore would revitalise the local area.

A petition with 678 signatures calling for the development to be halted was submitted to the town council chairman. Town council member Shiro Iwasawa said, "Mine wastewater (containing harmful substances) is the biggest cause of soil contamination, and that's what comes out of the mine. We want to preserve clean water and air."

The other four foreign companies developing gold mines in Japan have not been proactive in holding these meetings for residents, and there is no visible path to reaching an agreement on development between developers, residents, and local governments.