As Sibanye-Stillwater employees, we often hear about the Stillwater Mining Good Neighbor Agreement. What is it, and how does it impact us individually?
Good Neighbor Agreement
Good Neighbor Agreements are no longer unique to Sibanye-Stillwater. Many businesses from large corporations with huge factories, to wind farms, to small bars, restaurants, and shops enter into these types of agreements across the country. The point of these agreements is to proactively address issues that may impact the livability and safety of the neighborhoods these businesses operate within. In many instances, the Stillwater Mining Good Neighbor Agreement has been referenced, and used as an example of a successful Good Neighbor Agreement.
In 2000, Stillwater Mining Company (SMC), which consists of both mine sites at Nye and East Boulder, entered into a Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) with the Northern Plains Resource Council, and its local affiliates - Stillwater Protective Association and Cottonwood Resource Council. This legally binding contract is also obligatory to future owners and managers of SMC mines. The GNA was amended in 2005, 2009, and 2015. These amendments prove that the GNA was designed with the appropriate flexibility to address day-to-day operations and to protect the local communities’ interests. The GNA provides a process to resolve disputes, protects the environment, and encourages responsible economic development.
Water Quality
Water is the lifeblood to survival, economics, and recreation in our communities. History has taught us that mining operations can increase the potential for water contamination, which can decimate communities. Under the GNA, the Stillwater, Boulder, and East Boulder Rivers are closely monitored for changes in water quality. Any departures from baseline water quality requires immediate response by SMC. This allows for early detection of any changes and quick response. The criteria in the GNA exceeds government standards and preserves the area’s water quality.
Land
Individuals who reside in the Boulder and Stillwater Valleys enjoy the open spaces and ruralness of the area. SMC has purchased several properties along the Boulder and Stillwater Rivers, and have agreed to establish conservative easements on these properties. These conservative easements will safeguard thousands of agricultural acres from the possibility of subdivision or industrial development. Thereby maintaining the area’s rural character, land values, and the agricultural integrity long after the platinum and palladium have been mined.
Public Safety
The two-lane roads that unsuspectedly lead up to the mine sites are part of that area’s charm and rural appeal. In an effort to maintain this quaintness and to address the issue of safety, the GNA restricts and monitors traffic flow along these roads to ensure that SMC is operating within permitted levels. The GNA also provides for carpooling and busing to transport mine employees to and from mine sites, reducing traffic and accidents.
As Sibanye-Stillwater employees what can we do?
We can continue to do our jobs effectively, to include maintaining our equipment, reporting and mitigating any spills, and blasting efficiently.
We can continue to utilize the busing program, fill carpools, and driving to road conditions; paying special attention to wildlife, weather, farm/ranch equipment, traffic and people sharing the roads.
By continuing our efforts, we can help preserve the Boulder and Stillwater Valleys for ourselves and future generations.
Resources
Alaskans for Responsible Mining (ARM) - Good Neighbor Agreement Page
ESCO Website – Portland Neighborhood Advisory Committee
Good Neighbor Agreements – The City of Portland, Oregon
Industrial Wind Turbine Project Good Neighbor Agreement
Northern Plains Resource Council’s Website Good Neighbor Agreement Page, including the Citizens Guide to the Good Neighbor Agreement and 2010 Joint GNA-Stillwater Mining Newsletter
