This letter is to correct inaccuracies that were in the letter to the editor, “One of Europe’s worst polluters proposing mine for Kamloops” (Dec.1, 2011).
The writer identified KGHM as a top European emitter of greenhouse gasses, citing the London-based Environmental Investment Organization (EIO).
This report is factually misleading. It is based on faulty methodology, and is derived in part based on a company’s share price or market investment value – two inputs that have zero correlation with greenhouse gas emission levels.
Residents of Kamloops deserve better; they deserve the facts.
The truth is there is an important distinction to be made between mining and smelting operations. Despite being one of Poland’s largest exporters, KGHM’s mining operations only account for 0.03 percent of all European carbon emissions.
There are no plans for smelting at the proposed Ajax project.
KGHM is committed to the communities in which it operates. Over the past 15 years we have made investments of nearly $1 billion (US) in environmental protection, alone. These significant investments have contributed to the reduction of carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide emissions by 99 per cent and 91 per cent, respectively.
We understand what it means to be a responsible neighbor.
That’s why the proposed Ajax project will be a state-of-the-art Canadian operation managed by experienced industry professionals. It will be subject to the scrutiny of Canadian environmental assessment process and be designed to meet and exceed every necessary health, safety and environmental requirement in Canada.
This is our commitment to you.
MARCIN MOSTOWY
CEO, KGHM Ajax Mining Inc.
