more environmental [ ] From the Australian again:
"An EFIC spokeswoman, Gabriella Hold, said the main project risks relate to ''water resources, resettlement, biodiversity, stakeholder engagement and the project's management systems''.
The comments echo the concerns of international aid groups who have focused on the plight of nomadic herders who roam the lands around Oyu Tolgoi. [WOW!!]
Rio has argued that Oyu Tolgoi will bring unprecedented opportunities to such communities, given the mine is tipped to account for half the impoverished nation's exports by 2019.
EFIC has engaged with aid agencies such as Oxfam and Jubilee Australia during its recent deliberations. Jubilee's Carmelan Polce said EFIC should ensure impact studies were thorough before committing to the project."
Read more:
https://www.smh.com.au/business/rio-tinto-waits-on-oyu-tolgoi-financing-20130313-2g0qw.html#ixzz2NRZxhEUl *************************************************************************************************************
I still can't believe this. Why exactly are they so concerned??? Do they usually go through these excructiating deliberations for every project financing? Every large project in the world has some knock-on effects for those who live or work nearby. Since when did governments start to favor the interests of a handful of desert nomads over their largest and most successful corporations? Why are they consulting Oxfam of Jubilee??? Who cares what they think?? -- not as if they're going to do anything except throw up objections?
Although it is illogical and counter-intuitive, I'm starting to wonder whether its the CHINESE who are encouraging all this nonsense through string-pulling. They're the only ones who have the clout with the U.S., Australia and the international agencies involved. I admit I have no idea why they would, but its a suspicion I have. I just can't believe that this situation is merely the outcome of a group of environmentals having usurped control of the relevant institutions. There's too much at stake and they would be restrained and reproved if all the major players were aligned. Are important Australian financial institutions entities really considering stabbing Rio Tinto in the back for goat herders? Really.
Shaking my head . . .