In reviewing your June, 1992 issue of Multinational Monitor, I came across the article entitled, "The Grass Isn't Greener On the Other Side" by David Minkow and Colleen Murphy-Dunning.
We assume your concern for Irian Jaya's environmental and social well being is genuine, just as is ours. We believe that fair-minded people, when presented with all the facts, will conclude that Freeport-McMoran Copper and Gold is a responsible corporate citizen who is handling its mining operations and its accompanying environmental and social obligations in a proper manner. Not only do we believe our record demonstrates this, but numerous media, environmental and other independent organizations who have visited our site in the last year have seen our work firsthand.
Freeport will continue its dialogue with responsible and reasonable non-governmental organizations in making clear our ongoing commitment to the people of Irian Jaya.
Sincerely,
George Mealy
President, Freeport-McMoran
Copper and Gold, Inc.
Editor's note: George Mealy enclosed with his letter an eight-page detailed response to the charges Minkow and Murphy-Dunning made in the article and which Rainforest Action Network also made in a May 1992 Action Alert. For copies of the above materials, please contact:
Freeport-McMoran
1615 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70112