Toronto
Stock Exchange: G
New York Stock Exchange: GG
Guatemalan
Government Responds to Marlin Mine Suspension Request
(All
amounts expressed in US dollars)
VANCOUVER,
BRITISH COLUMBIA, June 24, 2010 � GOLDCORP INC . (TSX: G, NYSE: GG)
has responded to an announcement by the government of Guatemala regarding
a request by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (�IACHR�) asking the
Guatemalan government to suspend operation of the Marlin mine in San Miguel
Ixtahuacan, Guatemala. According to the statement released by the
Guatemalan government today, its primary consideration is to protect the health
and safety of its citizens. In keeping with its international commitments
in the field of human rights, the government has agreed to comply with the
IACHR�s request by initiating the applicable administrative process under the
laws of Guatemala.
The
response of the Government of Guatemala expressly confirmed that studies
conducted by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment and Natural
Resources and Ministry of Energy and Mines demonstrate there is no evidence
that the community water supplies are contaminated and that they are fit for
human consumption. The Government also stated that an assessment by the
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare did not detect any disease linked to
suspected contamination produced by the Marlin Mine.
�We concur
with the statement of the Guatemalan government that there is no evidence of
pollution or ill effects to health or the environment as a result of Marlin
mine�s presence,� said Chuck Jeannes, Goldcorp President and Chief Executive
Officer. �Absent such evidence, we continue to believe there is no basis
for suspending operations at the mine. The Guatemalan government response
states that it will initiate an administrative process under Guatemalan law to
further investigate the allegations on which the IACHR�s suspension request is
based, and we have been assured that we will have a full opportunity to present
the compelling data that prove there have been no adverse environmental or
health impacts from the mine. We welcome this opportunity to demonstrate once
again Goldcorp�s record of respectful, environmentally sound operations at
Marlin. The mine continues to operate, and while this process is underway
we expect normal operations to continue.�
The Government�s response also indicates that
a mission from the IACHR will visit Guatemala in July. Goldcorp will ask the
Government of Guatemala to present the extensive evidence demonstrating that there
is no contamination to the IACHR in advance of the IACHR�s visit to Guatemala.
Goldcorp and the employees of Marlin have
continued to operate the mine to the highest standards, with an abiding
commitment to the responsible stewardship of the environment and to the human
rights of the people in communities near Marlin. The Company believes
that any suspension of mining activities would directly and adversely impact
the human rights to work, to earn a living, to personal health, and to education
of mine employees and members of the nearby communities. Marlin mine currently
employs 1,900 people with a payroll in 2009 totaling over $23 million.
Approximately 64% of employees are Mayan indigenous residents of San Miguel and
Sipacapa.
For more information on the social, economic
and environmental initiatives, benefits and effects of Marlin mine to the
communities near San Miguel, please visit www.goldcorp.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains �forward-looking
statements�, within the meaning of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation,
concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of
Goldcorp Inc. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements with respect to the future price of gold, silver, copper, lead and
zinc, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the realization of
mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future
production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the
development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time
lines, hedging practices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for
additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental
risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, timing and possible outcome of
pending litigation, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance
coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified
by the use of forward-looking terminology such as �plans�, �expects� �is
expected�, �budget�, �scheduled�, �estimates�, �forecasts�, �intends�,
�anticipates�, �believes� or the negative connotation thereof or variations of
such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results
�may�, �could�, �would�, �might� or �will be taken�, �occur� or �be achieved�
or the negative connotation thereof. All forward-looking statements are
developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other
factors set at herein. Forward-looking statements are subject to known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual
results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Goldcorp to be
materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the integration of
acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to joint
venture operations; actual results of current exploration activities; actual
results of current reclamation activities; conclusions of economic evaluations;
changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of
gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc; possible variations in ore reserves, grade
or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as
anticipated; accidents, labour disputes; delays in obtaining governmental
approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction
activities and other risks of the mining industry, as well as those factors
discussed in the section entitled �Description of the Business � Risk Factors�
in Goldcorp�s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2009
available at www.sedar.com. Although Goldcorp has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that
cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can
be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements
contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release
and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as
otherwise indicated by Goldcorp, these statements do not reflect the potential
impact of any non-recurring or other special items or of any dispositions,
monetizations, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or other transactions
that may be announced or that may occur after the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing
information about management�s current expectations and plans and allowing
investors and others to get a better understanding of Goldcorp's operating
environment. Goldcorp does not undertake to update any
forward-looking statements that are included in this document, except in
accordance with applicable securities laws.
For further information, please contact:
Jeff Wilhoit
Vice President, Investor Relations
Goldcorp Inc.
Telephone: (604) 696-3074
Fax: (604) 696-3001
E-mail: info@goldcorp.com
website: www.goldcorp.com
.