"There are, unfortunately, too many examples of Australian mining companies being associated with environmental damage, complicity in human rights abuse and allegations of corruption," Hewett writes.
"A pattern emerges: communities in Papua New Guinea continue to live with the devastating practice of disposing of mine waste into valuable waterways still used at Ok Tedi and by Emperor Mines at Tolukuma; Congolese community members are considering legal action against Anvil after deadly military suppression; and an independent investigation by The Age recently confirmed that 'irregular offers' were made by Climax Mining (now OceanaGold) when it was seeking local government approvals in the Philippines.
"In each case, the activities of Australian companies have been brought into question," Hewett says.
He proposes that Australia should set up acomplaints mechanism for overseas communities harmed by the activities of some Australian-owned mine operators would be an initiative to help generate greater accountability.
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