New contract with Mittal Steal

In the news, the Mittal Steel contract is being re-opened. When that door opens the people of Nimba need to step in.

The hope is to renegotiate a proposed $900 million iron ore investment by Mittal Steel by end-September, paving the way for mining to start by late 2007, the country's mines minister said in an interview.

With all due respect to Eugene Shannon, minister for land, mines and energy, need to listen to the people. Certainly Nimba is interested in the renegotiated contract meeting international standards, but is that enough. Mr. Shannon, ownership of the railway and the port is not enough.

I have not seen the contract, who has. Some principles we must insist on are that Mittal Steel and their sub-contractors conduct their activities in a manner that recognizes the needs of society and the needs for economic prosperity, national security and a healthy environment. Mittal Steel must commit on paper to integrating social, environmental, and economic principles in our mining operations from exploration through development, operation, reclamation, closure and post closure activities, and in operations associated with preparing our products for further use.

There should be real and tangible targets for development. We should never go down the road of growth without development. It is never too late for public debate. Let Nimba County be the model for the future development of Liberia as a whole.

OK, so I fell strongly about sustainable development.

EarlyBird
http://www.liberianature.blogspot.com