Thank you very much for your description of the visit to the IAMGOLD mine. Of course I'd like to comment on it.
First of all, I think I would support a lot of the initiatives you are referring to. I've argued very strongly that mining companies have a very strong commitment to on-site mitigation. I think that IAMGOLD, in a lot of the examples you are giving, is doing jobs at the mining site. I think in that sense that a lot of things that have happened and that also have been reported on are going okay.
One of the things that is now appearing is that there is a lot of resistance still. It's not just simple, and we all know that. People from IAMGOLD must have told you how complicated the processes are, with the strong and fast influx of wealth. That's why I refer to the issue of compensation for land. These influxes of wealth have to be catered to. They may attract a lot of people to that place. That's why I'm saying that one of the things IAMGOLD has to continue to do is mitigation. Taking care of problems that occur is a continuing process.
They've now put in place facilities, which they've done well, and a lot of housing facilities. I'm familiar with that story. Reprom has done that for IAMGOLD. What you were just referring to is very well documented.
However, we should really bear in mind that this is the start of a big mine. There's a large amount of money coming in, and a big effort is made in the beginning to relocate people and give them compensation and new housing. However, I'm arguing that IAMGOLD should move away from doing general development initiatives that are portrayed as just doing altruistic things, such as the schooling of people. I'd rather see mining companies continue to monitor very carefully the processes around their mines, because problems will continue. It is a difficult situation that they have to address. That is something I want them to continue to focus on around the mine.
Now in the papers it's clear that there are big protests around the IAMGOLD mine. The mine is cut off at the moment, so cars can't get to it. That is an indication that social development will be accompanied by problems and inequalities. People from the mining company will have to continue to really focus attention on doing this in a manner that will not exclude large groups. That's why I'm emphasizing procurement. That's why I'm emphasizing job facilities around the mine.
Also, don't make promises you can't keep. That's why I'm insisting that these very vague sorts of associations of mining companies with development initiatives may also trigger expectations the companies cannot live up to. They should be very careful with that.
However, I'm not contesting a lot of positive news you're giving.