MARLIN

SUSTAINABILITY

Community Relations and Development in Guatemala

The Marlin Mine employed an average of 1,132 workers during 2007 of which 63% were direct employees, 14% were construction contractors, 14% were weekly rotational workers and 9% were other contract workers. On average of 99% of all of the workers are Guatemalan residents. Approximately 68% of the workers are from the local communities, and virtually all of these people are indigenous.

We know our long-term success depends on creating value within the  communities in which we operate and for our shareholders. Our success is tied to our ability to develop, operate and close mines in a safe and environmentally responsible manner and in a way which creates jobs and opportunities for local residents and businesses

Goldcorp established the Fundación Sierra Madre (FSM) an organization designed to improve access to and quality of health services, increase economic opportunities by supporting micro-loans, promoting environmental awareness and developing local community capacity.  The foundation is working with communities, organizations and women’s groups to identify, plan, and implement sustainable economic development initiatives, with the goal of facilitating locally based development that will continue well beyond the life of the mine itself. The foundation has already been very active constructing or improving health clinics, banks, schools, bridges, and water delivery systems

Through the Foundation more than 1,900 residents have received health care services, including immunization, prenatal services, support with high-risk pregnancies and a family nutrition pilot project.

Since inception, the Foundations micro-lending program established 38 communal micro-lending banks serving 611 women and providing access to over $430,000 in capital.

In addition to the work done by the Foundation, Goldcorp has undertaken additional programs.

• Established in 2005, the Asociación de Monitoreo Ambiental Comunitario (AMAC) is an independent and community-based organization. AMAC monitors Goldcorp’s environmental performance and is comprised of community-selected representatives. 
• The Marlin mine’s Sustainable Development Department directly promoted and provided funding for 35 community projects in 2007. 
• The Incentivos Forestales – Forestry Incentive – finances reforestation in and outside of the mine site. To date, it has paid more than $80,000 to local people who are planting and caring for trees. 
•  Since 2003, Goldcorp has supported teacher training as a way to increase the number of children who can attend school in Guatemala. This has led to higher enrollment and attendance numbers, boosting enrollment up to 71% in some communities. 
•  Goldcorp has built or upgraded schools in 12 communities in Guatemala.
•  Goldcorp is building a new urban centre in Nueva Esperanza, Guatemala, which will include a large school, community meeting centre and municipal offices.

Environmental Initiatives

The Marlin Mine is implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) designed to promote continuous improvement in the environmental management of the operation. The EMS concentrates on four phases: policy and planning, implementation, evaluation, and review and Improvement.