Freeport-McMoRan and Indigenous Peoples
September 9, 2014 /3BL Media/ - The natural resources that Freeport-McMoRan produces are essential to the world's economies. As population growth and urbanization continue to accelerate, Freeport-McMoRan’s products are critical to a rising standard of living on a global scale. The foundation of Freeport-McMoRan’s plans for production growth and resource expansions includes their commitment to join with stakeholders in working toward sustainable development.
Through community engagement, cultural promotion and preservation projects, and training and development programs, Freeport-McMoRan seeks to address the needs, cultures and customs of indigenous peoples near their operations. Engaging with groups focused on indigenous peoples rights at the local, national and international levels is also important for two-way sharing of information about approaches to indigenous peoples topics in varying geographies.
PT Freeport Indonesia places a high value on preserving the unique cultures of the indigenous peoples who live in and around its operations, and in addition to improving the quality of life of local communities through its development programs. PTFI promotes and celebrates the unique culture of the local tribal communities. PTFI has sponsored research and the publication of a series of books on Papuan indigenous cultures.
In Chile, Freeport-McMoRan’s El Abra operation engages regularly with 10 indigenous communities and the operation maintains an Agreement of Cooperation with the Community of Conchi Viejo whose town is located between the plant and the mine. In 2013, El Abra received a Sustainable Management award from the Association of Industries of Antofagasta for its efforts to protect the heritage, culture and way of life of Alto El Loa indigenous communities.
To learn more about these indigenous peoples programs and others, please see http://www.fcx.com/sd/community/indig_people.htm
Please see the 2013 Working Toward Sustainable Development Report for more information on all of Freeport-McMoRan’s social, economic and environmental efforts.
