LCA of an Ecolabeled Notebook - GreenDeltaTC

Annex
Subcategory Indicator Status
commitments
to sustainable
issues
Contribution to
economic
development
Prevention and
mitigation of
conflicts
184
ments on sustainable issues
and complaints to the non
fulfilment of these commitments
Implementation/signing of
principles or codes of conducts
Economic situation of the
country and relevance of
the considered sector for
the economy
Presence of conflicts in the
country
Risk of conflicts with regard
to the sector and measures
to reduce the risk
Some mining companies have implemented own
codes of conducts. 316
In 2008, Chile had an economic growth rate of
3.7%; in 2009, the growth rate was negative and
amounted to -1.5%. For the year 2010 a positive
growth rate of 1% was stated regarding the first
trimester. The GDP in 2009 amounted to
137,300 billion EUR. 317
The mining of copper is an important economic
sector. Around 40% of the worldwide copper
deposits are located in Chile. The mining sector
contributes with circa 13% to the GDP. 318 Many
mining companies are state-owned.
Copper is one of the most important Chilean
export goods. The global demand is growing –
foremost China boosts the market. To be more
efficient the degree of automation increases
steadily. 319 This leads to the reduction of jobs.
Chile is involved in several conflicts. Due to
territory and resources there are conflicts with
Bolivia and Peru since 1945. There are also
conflicts concerning the United Kingdom for
same reasons. The intensity of these conflicts is
admittedly low in contrast to the conflict with
the Mapuche indians. The secession conflict
between Mapuche groups and the Chilean government
in southern Chile is classified as violent
crisis. 320
The risk of conflicts affecting the mining sector
is increasing. Environmental pollution, resource
depletion, and increasing job cuts due to automation
lead to discontent. 321 An example is the
Pascua Lama project, a gold-silver-copper mine
316
www.barrick.com/Company/CorporateGovernance/CodeofEthics/default.aspx, Escondida
(2008), p. 8 and Codelco (2008), p. 49
317
Banco Central de Chile (2010)
318
www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1981.htm
319
Grüttner (2005)
320
Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research (2009), pp. 43.
321 www.bpb.de/themen/AG1LTV.html