Swedish company Boliden must take care of its toxic waste in Chile

Powerful Warning ⚠️! Great to see response of Boliden

Two months ago, the UN human rights rapporteur turned to Boliden over exports to Chile in the 1980s. We answered all these questions extensively and clearly on the afternoon of Friday 21 May, as it was obvious that a misunderstanding had arisen. Unfortunately, however, it seems that the rapporteur has already drawn conclusions before our response, based on a one-sided picture that has also been completely dismissed in independent trials. Chile has long been one of the world's largest mining nations, which, among other things, has given rise to the country having the highest GDP per capita in all of South America. The presence of large mines, process plants and expertise is large and Arica was a hub for this industry in northern Chile. There was also Promel, which with its own mine and process plant had specialized in further processing certain types of materials from other players. With a location next to a desert, both themselves and the Chilean authorities considered that the business could be conducted safely. When Boliden visited the plant, Promel had already processed similar materials from other suppliers and before the export was carried out, tests were sent to ensure that Boliden's materials could also be technically handled, which was successful. After the export was completed, some of the material was also processed. Along with the process, Swedish and Chilean authorities were also represented and Promel was required to take relevant precautionary measures in connection with the import. All this, and much more, is the basis for the district court in Skellefteå to rule that Boliden exceeded the rules and industry practice that prevailed at the time. To claim that the material was dumped in Chile is, of course, deeply misleading. Boliden has, and continues to take very seriously, the allegations made against us. This was an important reason why we wanted to conduct independent reviews of Swedish courts. Of course, for this type of trial to be meaningful, external expertise is required on a variety of issues. All with the aim of learning and understanding what actually happened. In a democratic state governed by the rule of law, it is also a central principle that all parties have the right to a defense and to be heard before judgments are announced. To, as in this case, paint one's own perception as "correct" science and thereby pass on everything that contradicts one's own conclusions to the trash does no one any good. We are convinced that the UN Special Rapporteur shares this view. When we summarize the most important issues, the Swedish court has found that Boliden has in all material respects acted correctly in connection with the export and that almost none of the 800 Chilean individuals who was involved in the lawsuit of the company have suffered damage. We can also state that the Chilean authorities, after depositing the material, have carried out remediation efforts and investigations that show that there is no serious environmental situation in the area. However, the Chilean authorities were late in initiating the landfill and after-treatment of the industrial area, and for this the Chilean authorities have paid damages to certain people who were considered to have been affected by the delay. Boliden wants to continue to contribute to deepening knowledge about Boliden's part in the issues surrounding these exports. We continue to ensure that human rights are respected and respected and work to ensure that these are respected in relation to our operations. The starting point in this work will continue to be to listen to different perspectives and get to the bottom of questions that need answers. Read more here: https://www.boliden.com/sustainability/our-responsibilities/in-focus/deliveries-of-smelter-sludge-to-chile

This behaviour of some international companies disposing their waste to foreign countries, which harms the residents of the country they disposed their waste must be discouraged totally. In Africa and particularly my mother country Kenya, has ever received effects of this kinda of wastes from different countries, it must be discouraged and stopped with highest voice possible!

Dear Sarah Chabane Thank you for getting your climate warning to level 2! We have reached out to Boliden and asked for a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! /Adam We Don't Have Time