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Fall 1999 Bulletin
Unocal, Molycorp's parent company, was ranked 77th among "The Top 100 Corporate Criminals of the 1990s," compiled by Corporate Crime Reporter (http://lists.essential.org/corp-focus). Ranking was based on how much money companies have paid in fines. Unocal has paid $1.5 million in fines over the last decade. Had the ranking been based on other criteria––how much companies have paid in out-of-court settlements, how much they've paid in attorney's fees fighting lawsuits, or other environmental liabilities––Unocal would have received a much higher ranking. Along with increased public scrutiny, evidence continues to stack up against Molycorp. "Geochemistry of the Red River Stream System Before and After Open-Pit Mining, Questa Area, Taos County, New Mexico," a report by the New Mexico Office of Natural Resources Trustee (ONRT), conclusively attributes pollution of the Red River to Molycorp's operations during the last three decades. Released in mid-October, the report documents an increase in toxic heavy metals downstream from the mine since Molycorp began open-pit mining in the sixties. The report refutes Molycorp's claim that metal contamination is coming not from the mine but from natural erosional scars higher in the watershed. The conclusion is based on analyses of water quality data collected over a one-year period and of sediment core samples––showing cross-sections over time––from impoundments both above and below the mine. The core samples indicate elevated metals downstream occurred only after Molycorp began open-pit mining in the sixties. Results of water quality and sediment studies were correlated with a census of "hyporheic invertebrates," the river-bottom insects required for a healthy fish population, which showed a consistent pattern of fewer insects where metal levels are higher. According to Natural Resources Trustee William Turner, this report cost the state $150,000. Previous reports from EPA, the New Mexico Environment Department, and the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission have reached the same conclusion––that Molycorp is primarily responsible for heavy-metal contamination of the Red River and for devastation of a legendary trout fishery. How many more reports will the public pay for before Molycorp takes responsibility for polluting the Red River? Copies of the ONRT report are available from Natural Resources Trustee William Turner at (505) 843-7643, or from the Amigos Bravos office.
Molycorp and Unocal Make Worst Lists
6 Mines, 6 Mishaps, a September 29, 1999 Congressional report prepared by the Washington, DC-based Mineral Policy Center (MPC), lists the Molycorp mine as one of the six worst mines in the country. Copies of the report are available on MPC's web site at www.mineralpolicy.org, or from our office.
Please return to the Fall 1999 Bulletin Index.