Newmont Admits 17 Tons Of Mercury Releases, But Says No Public Health Risk

DENVER, Dec 22 (Reuters) - "Newmont Mining Corp. <NEM.N> said on Wednesday its gold operations in Indonesia had released mercury, but the toxic emissions were not at levels harmful to people or the environment. The statement from the world's biggest gold miner was the latest step in what has turned into a public relations nightmare for the Denver-based company.

At one point earlier this year Newmont executives in Indonesia had been in police custody as a result of allegations that its operations had polluted the environment.

The statement was also in response to a New York Times article on Wednesday that said the company had released 33 tons of the toxic substance.

"While the Times makes this seem like a significant quantity, this level of emissions complied with all applicable US and Indonesian air quality regulations," the statement said. Newmont said it would ask a third party to review the facts."

EDIT

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N22460724.htm

My chemistry teacher tells us to be careful with even a few milliliters of mercury. 17 tons is a lot!