Blogging is a part-time activity that I undertake in order to record ideas, happenings, and opinions that intrude into an otherwise calm and peaceful existence.
I am formally retired and so now work full time as a consultant with Robertson GeoConsultants. You can probably guess my clients from the places that I visit and write about. I also give the game away occasionally when I link to a paper that I or fellow workers have written. I also write the occasional piece for TechnoMine and EduMine. You will find those writings easily enough on InfoMine.
InfoMine looks after the blog site, although they keep it at arms length because they are concerned that what I write may offend somebody in the mining industry and thereby reduce support for InfoMine. I must applaud their courage in doing what they do. For sometimes, I am sure I offend somebody in the mining industry.
I was born and brought up on the mines of South Africa. I was educated as a civil engineer on a mining company scholarship. I have spent most of my working life consulting to the mining industry. I am a supporter of mining and know that we must mine. I believe that we can mine in such a way as to enjoy the benefits of mining without incurring the many avoidable side-effects that bedevil mining’s reputation.
If at times, I criticize one or other aspect of mining, I am criticizing. Not because I want to stop mining, but because I believe it can be done better and should be done better. I have benefitted immensely from mining; why should others not also benefit from mining done right?
I live sometimes in Vancouver and sometimes with my three kids and ten grandkids in the United States. I think of myself as a citizen of both countries. So if I criticize either, maybe I am criticizing one or the other or both. I am not blind to the failings of Canada and the United States, although I know they are the best places in the world and I am very lucky to be able to live in both. I do not pretend to hope that my writings will improve either, but then somebody has to say what they think, lest bad people prevail. From my youth in South Africa, I know bad people sometimes do prevail for long periods.
Thus I hope you enjoy my postings. I hope they entertain, inform, and stimulate you. If you do not like them, please comment or send me a private e-mail at jcaldwell@infomine.com. Many people prefer to send me a critical comment in private. I enjoy them all; although I do not promise to reply to all.
PS1: Here is a piece I wrote some three years after starting the blog. It gives a bit more insight into who and what I am and why I write this blog.
Give or take a few weeks and a few postings, this blog, I THINK MINING, has been “on the air” for about three years and I have written over one thousand postings on almost every topic touching mining.
The blog started when Andy Robertson decided that InfoMine needed a blog. A hour or two later we had this one up. At first it was tightly connected to and identified with InfoMine. Then the Chinese blocked the blog because of what I wrote about safety in Chinese mines. Concerns arose that the Chinese would soon block InfoMine as well. The blog was downloaded from the InfoMine servers and given a more “independent” image.
Next I wrote a blog item about hippo’s eating green tomatoes. That posting so offended the SME that they protested, issuing a formal complaint. That so scared InfoMine, that all links to or identification with InfoMine was canned. The blog was posted as far away as possible lest I further offend the powerful mining communities. Thus for the past year or more, I have essentially been on my own. Of course I have been “on my own” ever since starting to write. I would not have had it any other way. Andy Robertson, to his credit, has supported me whatever I have said, although many minor people have screamed for censorship. Their pathetic cries have fallen on deaf ears. And the reality of the internet–it is terrible easy to start and run one’s own blog on Google—have kept them at bay.
Over the years, I have been privileged to receive posted comments both praising and damning me and what I write. I have also been privileged to receive many private e-mails from people I would otherwise never have communicated with. For example, much of what I wrote about the failure of the Bellavista heap leach pad was sent to me by people living besides the site. Similarly with the story of Southwestern Resources. I would like to believe that what I wrote about the Alberta Directive 74 woke up a complacent community to act to fix a flawed regulation.
By far the most popular posting on this blog started out innocently. I received an e-mail from a lady in Australia noting that her boyfriend could not find a job as a truck driver on the Australian mines. I posted her e-mail and since then the posting has become a sort of center of folk commenting on similar difficulties. The posting still gets read about ten to twenty times a day.
I have also received many misdirected readers who are otherwise seeking porn and sex sites. Unthinkingly I have used words like porn and sex in titles—and the search engines pick that up for mid-night trysts. The funniest is a piece I wrote on ladies in hard hats–it has a good porn-site seeking search engine following.
I have never received money for writing this blog. At first I did it as part of a larger commitment to write occasional pieces for TechnoMine, but for the past two or more years, I have written on my own time and at my own direction. I have written favorably about companies and I have attacked companies; but none of them has been involved in what I said. They, also to their credit, have borne it patiently and with good grace.
I have enjoyed writing this blog and will continue as long as I am able and not censored. I have learnt a lot about the world, being forced to think about topics. I have learnt a lot about myself as I let my fingers do the work of skimming over the keys and forming opinions. I am not sure what picture of me emerges, but I am more confident of my opinions now than ever before–the only problem being that I find myself changing my opinion as new news item prompt me to comment.
I have read many other blogs in compiling this blog. I post my favorites so you too can see them. I seldom criticize them and I have never seen them criticize me. I wonder if this is an unspoken and informal code of respect amongst bloggers–or are they also too busy writing to care to read others?
I have collated some of the postings on this blog into other writings. These include “cleaned-up” versions that are posted from time to time on TechnoMine, by kind favor of Sahar Pakzad. I have combined others into a course on mining investment on EduMine by kind favor of Simon Houlding. Some postings have gone on to become articles in Mining.Com, the magazine. Thanks to Cecilia Jamasmie.
The number of visits to this site fluctuates with the day of the week and the time of the year. The number can be as low as one hundred a day and have on rare occasions been as high a six hundred a day. Never enough to entice anybody to try to sell advertising or to buy advertising. I am told my opinions are too erratic and potentially offensive to entice any respectable company to put their name with mine. So be it. But I note that many other less visited publications of deadly dull content do get advertising. I wonder what the purchasers of the adverts are thinking? I know I never read the dull rubbish on such sites, although I have on occasion been lured into writing for them– a smile from a beautiful woman is irresistable.
PS2: Here is a link to long-winded personal recollections of growing up.
PS3: If you are still curious about me in spite of all the above, see this blog piece in which I cogitate on writing versus engineering, both activities I indulge in.
PS4: Here is a link to personal reflections on travel.
PS5: I sometimes get e-mails telling me I have said bad things. But sometimes I find a statement about this blog that makes me happy. Here is one example:
There is great nuance here, and the most thoughtful treatment I know of is found at the following blog:
http://ithinkmining.com/ See recent entries on Anglo’s Pebble Mine and the West Virginia mining deaths for examples of the quality of Jack Caldwell’s site. Given his background as a mine engineer, he provides insights that you just won’t get from most journalists or activists.
PS6: My passion is opera. Here is a link to one posting on the topic. Try the category “opera” to get more.
PS7: I also like riding my bicycle. Here is a link to a posting that tells why.
I’m glad your back, I was concerned a few months ago that you were no longer with us. Today I checked again, and here you are. Glad your back Jack.
Later, Dave
Nice and helpful blog, many thanks!
I love your blog Jack; thanks for all the posts and keep them coming. I am a placer gold technician in Alaska and I have researched the Pebble mine deveopment and Red Dog mine in terms of Sustainability, and native subsistence issues. There should be more research in these areas, and I’m grateful for your blog. Thanks!
Hi Jack,
I assume it is the same famous Jack Caldwell. I was just checking in mining news about the lithium deposits in Afghanistan and lo and behold your blog/web site came up on my google search.
Looks like things are going well for you. Doesn’t seem like you are retired anymore but as long as you enjoy what you are doing, that matters only.
I left TT and went on my own in 2007. Since late last year I took a sabbatical to take care of some family issues. My mother is getting old and we had to make some changes in her care needs. Anyway, I am back in town and will get back into the same old stuff. I think I am going to work with Shaw. Still working out the details.
Sometimes I do recall the mind bending discussions with you and do miss good old days.
Just thought I say hello and look me up when you are in town.
Abid
Dear Mr Caldwell,
This very morning, Mr Malema was interviewed on Morning Live on SABC2 and made it quite clear that his agenda is to Nationalise mining in South Africa. A spine chilling thought indeed for the many reasons you quote in your blog (which I thouroughly enjoyed reading notwithstanding my non existent knowledge of anything to do with mining)
Whilst I fully agree with your assessment of the disasters that will surely follow Mine Nationalisation and that investment withdrawal will undoubtedly be the result. I most strongly urge you not to use this powerful media tool to encourage the migration of South Africans.
This country is one of few on the African Continent to boast a truly democratically elected government. However, fragile and young this democracy is – it is nonetheless a democracy. The people still have the right to choose their own political future and had it not been for our prior lack of forsight, the whites in this country will have maintained a far stronger position in such a dempcracy.
I am appalled at the view that if you cannot rule you should run! The decline of mining in this country – which is a certainty in the event of Nationalisation – will hail a loss of fortune not only for South Africans of all race and status but will impact on many industries worldwide.
Surely the path to avoid such a disaster is through the education of the electorate. People in this country are largely ill informed of the value of commerce to their livelihood. The Amins, Castros, Lenins, Malemas and Mugabes of this world prey on that ignorance just like Adolf Hitler did to build up racism to a fever pitch among the illeterate and under educated to destabilise the structure of Government. This has nothing whatevr to do with any given industry but is a flagrant renouncing of responsiblilty to carry out election promises.
Do not underestimate the South African population. There are few among them who have any respect for Malema and even fewer who wish to see their peaceful existence shattered by deprivation and civil war. Inadvertantly that is the message that this man is delivering to our people.
Perhaps you would be good enough – given your knowledge of mining – to produce a simple flow chart of how the industry works and how revenues are currently diverted via taxes and levies to the people in countries such as South Africa where the mining industry is paramount. I for my part will publicise that at everry opportunity.
We can then both go to our beds at night knowing that we tried rather than that we fortold. Afterall knowing and doing nothing surely is worse than not knowing.
Yours very sincerely
Elizabeth Lane
Hi Jack. Pasted below is an open letter you may find interesting about the Prosperity Mine in British Columbia.
July 16, 2010
Open Letter to
the Honourable James Prentice, Minister of the Environment, and
the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada
RE: Socio-economic Costs and Benefits of Proposed Prosperity Mine
I write urging you to accept the findings of the Federal Panel Reviewon the Prosperity Mine in British Columbia, and refuse to issue any federal permits for the mine.
The independently-constituted Federal Panel found that the proposed Prosperity Mine will destroy an entire watershed and irretrievably damage the way of life of the Tsilhquot’in and Secwepemc peoples. The mine’s approval will make a mockery of the apology your government made
to Aboriginal peoples, and will threaten the already tenous relationship that the BC government has built with First Nations.
You are being asked by the mining company – Taseko – to believe that the socio-economic benefits for the province and for Williams Lake- which is over 100 kms from the mine – justify this destruction. No critical review of Taseko’s economic data was undertaken by the Government of British Columbia before they issued the Certificate of
Environmental Compliance. They accepted the company’s promotional data without question.
As part of the federal environmental review, MiningWatch Canada and Friends of the Nemiah Valley undertook detailed examinations of the anticipated benefits from the mine. Based on their research these organizations asked for an independent, ecological, full cost accounting
of the company claims about socio-economic benefits, but none have been undertaken. Before the federal Cabinet can even contemplate overturning the Panel findings, such a study should be done.
I reviewed the socio-economic analysis submitted by the company for MiningWatch Canada. Currently working as a university professor, I am the former National Co-ordinator of MiningWatch, and the author of a number of peer-reviewed publications on mine economics and taxation.
It is my considered opinion that the mine will not deliver on the benefits the company promises. The company’s claims were exaggerated and do not address key negative social and economic impacts of the project.
In the company’s feasibility studies for the proposed mine (which were undertaken for investors), the economic evaluations were not done by an “independent qualified person” as the securities regulators require, but
by the company vice-president, Scott Jones. As a result, the feasibility studies have a number of serious short-comings.
The Prosperity deposit is very low grade, with gold at less than 0.43 grams per tonne of ore mined, and copper at 0.22% of the ore. The gold is dispersed in the copper, and cannot be mined without mining the copper. The ore itself contains antimony, arsenic and mercury in such
concentrations that the company will pay huge penalties to any smelte rthat accepts the ore.
The cost estimates in the feasibility studies do not make any allowance for the payment of federal or provincial income taxes; for compensation to the affected First Nations; for any financing or interest charges; for contingency on operating costs; or for variations in the exchange rate.
The hydro costs are estimated based on a cost of $37.4/Mwh, when BC is currently purchasing hydro for over $88/Mwh. Dr. Marvin Shaffer estimates this discrepancy in power costs as a subsidy to the mine of over $35 million per year from BC taxpayers.
Even with all these ignored costs, the mine’s rate of return to investors is expected to be 10%, below industry standard. The bottom line for this mine is fragile and its ability to operate for 20-30 years will be totally dependent on continuing high prices for gold and copper, and on a low Canadian dollar.
Since all mining taxes are based on profit, it is unlikely that the mine will ever pay much (if anything) in royalties or income taxes.
Will the mine actually provide employment for the people of the Chilcotin? During the construction phase – two years at the most – there will probably be some increased local employment. However, the Panel’s report highlighted the fact that most of the mine employees will be skilled workers who leave other jobs, and that the company claims are based on total employment, not actual net new jobs created.
Will the mine stimulate new businesses in the region? There are already many community level initiatives in the Chilcotin that could grow to provide the needed jobs but will be disrupted by the mine: tourism, market gardens, ranching, renewable energy, timber fibre products, and
arts and heritage enterprises. Existing businesses will shift their focus to supplying the mine, and will become dependent on it.
The community of Williams Lake is divided over the mine proposal. Even those Williams Lake community leaders that are in favour of the mine admit that they need to diversify their economy away from mining and forestry, but believe they have no alternative.
It is anticipated that the mine will worsen inequality and social problems in the region, especially for low income people. Costs for dealing with these problems will be carried by First Nations governments and taxpayers, not by the company.
Most importantly, the mine will entail huge ecological and cultural costs, which can only be roughly calculated in dollars. These costs will be borne by the affected First Nations and by future generations of taxpayers.
Yours,
Joan Kuyek, DSW
116 Crerar Avenue
Ottawa ON K1Z 7P2
613-761-9794
Hello Jack -
Is there a phone number where I can reach you?
Many thanks,
George Armes
PCA Consultants
(0) 724-348-8770
(C) 724-466-0220
georgearmes@comcast.net
Sorry to bother you. I was wondering where to look to find information on ‘Four Girls Mining and Milling’. My father left me a few shares and after finding no information on the internet I’m thinking they should be used as wallpaper.
Thank you.
Mike Holley
Oregon
Hey there. You’ve got some very cool blog here. It is very user friendly, and very informative. Great blog, i will visit this blog often. God Bless:-)
Hello Mr. Cadwell
My name is Laura Gamez and I am current on an analytical story for the School of Journalism at Carleton University regarding Bill C-354.
Bill C-354 was introduced by MP, Peter Julian in regards to amending the federal act “for the international promotion and protection of human rights”. In his own words Peter Julian intends the bill to “ensure corporate accountability for Canadian firms” by allowing foreign victims of human rights violations to challenge Canadian companies in Canadian courts.
This bill has been compared to former bill C-300 that called for international corporate responsibility in the Canadian mining industry. I’ve read your blog in regards to both Bill C-354 and Bill C-300, as an expert and consultant I would like to know further your insights and opinions concerning Bill C-354.
Therefore, I would like to interview you regarding this manner. Please let me know if this is possible. I appreciate all your time and cooperation. I could not find an email to email you to, so I hope this medium works.
Sincerely,
Laura Gamez
613 899 6332
laura.m.gamez@gmail.com
lgcuesta@connect.carleton.ca
Jack,
I really enjoyed meeting, traveling and working with you this last week in Guatemala.
For those of you who have not met Jack but enjoy this blog, let me say that Jack is even more interesting in person and is a real hoot to work with.
I look forward to working with you on our project and hope we can find the time for a smoke and a brew the next time you are in Tucson.
Cheers,
Tony
hm… mining. I am from industrial engineer sir. what is he job description for industrial engineer in mining industry?
On Monday, February 28, 2010, a group of approximately 200 individuals reportedly led by Aniseto López of FREDEMI, ADISMI, and other opponents of the Marlin Mine blocked three public roads that provide access to the communities of Siete Platos and San Antonio as well as the Marlin Mine. The protestors, who were not members of the local communities, indicated that their purpose was to protest the Government of Guatemala’s failure to suspend operations of the Marlin Mine. As of this morning, the blockades are no longer in place and the public roads are fully accessible.
In a blog posting dated February 28, 2011, representatives of La Red de Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala, Collectif Guatemala, Breaking the Silence, and Rights Action asserted that the human rights of the protest leaders were being violated by their being detained. As explained in this message, this information is incorrect and the prompt posting of the blog strongly suggests that the actions in Guatemala and by these organizations were planned with the intent of generating conflict in the local communities. Goldcorp and Montana Exploradora reiterate their commitment to engage transparently and peacefully with all interested parties and respect the rights of all to voice their opinions peacefully.
How did the situation develop?
On Monday, February 28, 2011, a group of approximately 200 individuals reportedly led by Aniseto López of FREDEMI, and other opponents of the Marlin Mine blocked three public roads that provide access to the communities of Siete Platos and San Antonio as well as the Marlin Mine.
What did Marlin and Montana Exploradora do?
First, Montana Exploradora ensured that its local employees were able to return to their homes without risk to their safety. Second, Montana Exploradora made contact with the leaders of the local communities where the road blocks were established, the Municipalities of San Miguel Ixtahuacán and Sipacapa, the Human Rights Ombudsman office (PDH), and the Presidential Human Rights Commission (COPREDEH). Based on the information available, Montana Exploradora’s management decided to reduce employee transportation and limit operations at the Marlin Mine until the situation was resolved. At this time, the Marlin Mine is operating normally.
Did Marlin or Montana Exploradora contact the Police or Military?
No.
Did Marlin or Montana Exploradora contact the protestors or intervene at the roadblocks?
No. The company did not engage with the protestors so as to avoid confrontation and provocation. The protestors at no time asked to communicate with the company.
How did the situation get resolved?
The first roadblock was lifted due to action taken by the community of Siete Platos. Members of this community objected to the restriction on their free passage on public roads and asked the protestors, who were not members of the local community, to leave their community. The second and larger roadblock in the community of San Antonio reportedly was lifted after tense discussions between local community leaders and the protestors, but without any violence.
Was anyone detained or injured?
Yes, in the community of San Antonio, Aniseto López and a group of protesters took by force a bus operated by a contractor that is used by the Marlin Mine and threatened the driver that if he did not take them to San José Ixcaniche they would burn the bus. When the bus arrived at San José Ixcaniche, the bus was stopped by the local community leaders. Upon exiting the bus, one of the protesters hit a woman and a physical confrontation ensued. The injured woman was treated at the Marlin Mine clinic. The local community leaders were able to control the situation and forced the protesters to leave the community. The local community leaders detained Aniseto López until he signed a document (an acta) in which he committed not to enter the community in the future and also to not cause further conflict in the area. Once the acta was signed, Sr. López was released.
In addition, Montana Exploradora understands that on February 28, the protestors prohibited a family with a seriously ill baby to pass the roadblock for medical assistance. The company understands that the baby died. It appears that Aniseto López, of FREDEMI, has paid Q4,000 ($USD500) to the family due to the death.
Goldcorp and Montana Exploradora have been and continue to be committed to open and transparent discussions with all members of the community. We respect the right of all interested parties to voice their opinions respectfully and engage in peaceful protest. The company has never taken action to impede such activity. Goldcorp is committed to continually improving how it operates and interacts with communities. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.goldcorp.com/corporate_responsibility/.
To supplement the previous Stakeholder Update, a scanned copy and an English translation of the legal document or “Acta” adopted in San Jose Ixcaniche with respect to the road block that occurred on Monday, February 28, 2011, are available on our website. It is important to highlight a few key facts from this document:
• The local Indigenous Mayan communities resolved this matter between themselves and the protestors;
• The communities suffered from the actions of the protestors and demanded reparations;
• The communities emphasize the importance of dialogue, as does Goldcorp and Montana Exploradora;
• Leaders of the protestors, specifically Aniceto Lopez of FREDEMI, recognize the negative impact of their actions, the misinformation that has been broadcasted by the radio station, and the death of the baby resulting from their blockade;
• The leader of FREDEMI agreed to pay compensation to the community members who were injured, including to the family whose baby died, and to stop broadcasting misinformation that leads to conflict.
As always, Goldcorp and Montana Exploradora will continue to work with the local communities around the Marlin Mine with respect to promoting human rights and the freedom of peaceful demonstration.
[...] Comments Dina Aloi on About me and the blogDina Aloi on About me and the blogRichard Kithil on Mining Consulting: Scope &…Roseanne on Marlin Mine, Guatemala. [...]
[...] Comments Dina Aloi on About me and the blogDina Aloi on About me and the blogRichard Kithil on Mining Consulting: Scope [...]
Jack: Enjoyed your comments — slightly different world. Check on Google at Mining Stories. ralph
Well it is is great to see that after all these years you have not lost your flair for live and your fantastic views of the world. Now days I spent quit a bit of time in your lovely South Africa and every time I get off that plane I think about you. Keep writing
Luiz
i am a new mining engineer from greece, in your site i found the courage to fight about my job i read some stories about other new mining engineers and i saw moments of my questions..
Jack,
Congrats on being the #1 mining blog according to Jacqueline Bran in the Coal Mining Linked In group. Hope you are doing well. I just finished an incredible year working daily with some Freeport plants on culture change. I saw amazing things happen to performance and people and gained a new perspective on the day to day challenges faced by operations and maintenance superintendents and supervisors. As a result of that work, I am creating a leading edge change module for management teams…
I now believe that the root cause of unsustainable change has been STARTING THE CHANGE PROCESS IN THE WRONG PLACE. No expectations are set with management teams for what change is really about BEFORE processes are changed. This module will prepare them for what they are likely to discover (good and bad), choices they will have to make to create the culture they desire, power shifts that may occur, etc. Nothing like it exists at present. It will have the potential to change the improvement world as we know it. My next book is on the way and will be titled “The Change Revelation”.
I have 3 monthly columns going now – Coal People, NAQN/Aggregates & Mining Today and EnergyGlobal’s Coal Sector. Just submitted a new article to Coal People today called “Meetings – Are Your People Solving Problems or Creating New Ones?” It’s about losses in earnings AND credibility caused by what happens in meetings – the ROI on meetings is not always what management thinks or hopes it is.
Sorry this is so long. It’s been a long time since I have seen you. I will be at MinExpo – Booth #6010 in the main hall. I have submitted an abstract to speak there entitled “Truth, Trust and Tons – Solutions to Reactive Cultures in the Mining Industry”. I hope I am selected to speak – I expect a large audience. Take care.
Kay
Hi Jack,
I wanted to respond / get in touch as I saw this comment from you on the Australian mining piece: http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/top-ten-mining-blogs
We are delighted that our piece has been so well received. I am not sure if you saw the original on Mining IQ? http://www.miningiq.com/mining/articles/mining-industry-blogs-the-pick-of-the-crop-reveale/
I just wanted to drop you a line and respond and say that I thoroughly enjoy your content – as it’s such an informative and valuable blog.
We look forward to remaining in touch, feel free to get in touch below.
All the best
Jacqueline Bran
Editor – Mining IQ
Tel: + 61 (0)2 9229 1065
Email: jacquie.bran@iqpc.com.au
Hello very cool website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also?I’m happy to seek out so many helpful information here within the publish, we need develop extra techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
You actually make it seem really easy along with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be actually something which I feel I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and very large for me. I am having a look forward to your next publish, I will attempt to get the hang of it!
Hi Jack,
I’m an editor/reporter at China Mining News newspaper, nice to know you and your blog.
Look forward to reading many more of your blogs and analysis article on mining, you are also welcomed to send me your comments and articles at wanghongfengok@gmail.com.
Best
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