Cristallex maintains normal rhythm of work proposed Las Cristinas
Monday, May 12, 2008
Las Cristinas, the world's largest mine has 14.5 million ounces of gold in proven reserves and 87 thousand tons of copper.

Although officials have announced some variations related to gold projects in southern Bolivar state, the company Crystallex, operator of Las Cristinas Project, maintains the pace of work, supporting the parish communities of San Isidro, among which are two important works running, as are the plant sewage treatment Las Claritas and urban hospital, work in progress between New Claritas and Santo Domingo.

The Las Cristinas Project consists of a gold development on a large scale, indicating that at the start of construction of the plant and subsequent exploitation of gold, produce a significant impact on employment generation, investment and collateral in general, a great stimulus to the economy and development of municipalities in the South, especially Sifontes, at whose heart lies the Las Cristinas Project.

Representatives of the community interviewed expressed that many of the services that the community has, are due to the contributions of Crystallex, operator of Las Cristinas Project. It was reported that the company is making significant investments for social benefit, taking into account the socio-economic realities of the people surrounding Las Cristinas. Services are medical in nature, sports, cultural, as well as direct assistance to several communities. Authorities indigenous indicated that after several providing aid in emergencies also provide them with logistics to move to other places in time that the representation of natives have to leave the area.

Indeed, since five years ago, the CVG with the company Crystallex signed a contract to operate the Las Cristinas Project, located in Las Claritas, San Isidro parish, Sifontes municipality, southern Bolivar state. The contract, among other conditions, establishing the so-called special advantages that translate into works for the public service into neighboring communities of the project. To date, the company has built major works, such as asphalting of the road leading from the trunk 10 to Santo Domingo neighborhood, in the direction of Las Cristinas, after some internal routes. Have the new outpatient building in Las Claritas, whose building consists of 1,200 square metres with provision for all medical and hospital services commensurate with the type of hospital whose performance is advanced by more than 50%.

In an area next to the hospital under construction, Crystallex runs a water treatment plant white, having optimized the operation of two others.

Gold Reserves

Las Cristinas reserves are 14.5 million ounces of gold in proven reserves. The exploitation of the deposit provides for a simultaneous use of copper that meets the gold, whose reserves are in excess of 87 thousand tons. It was reported that these results have been audited and certified by recognized international firms.

Geologists comment in this regard, that the figures mentioned are proven reserves, failing to quantify, probable reserves and possible reserves, hence the assertion that Las Cristinas mine becomes the world's largest, also found an excellent location, just five kilometres from the trunk road 10 or international, cheap and abundant electricity, a safe supply of manpower, mainly knowledgeable of the mining work proceed by small mines.

Communities satisfied

with Crystallex

During a tour to perform over the towns of Santo Domingo, New Claritas, Las Claritas, Kilometer 88, The Manacas, indigenous community of Santa Lucia Inaway and others, we found that people have contacted a claim to flower lips: That booting Las Cristinas, and Crystallex regarding which is the operating company, said that much of the services we have are because of this company, including medical services that are provided through the outpatient. The company, for example, they said, keeps a supply of medicines.

Communal Council of New Claritas

Patricia Rodriguez, Leydy Gonzalez, Aurelina Ramirez, Zaim Rivas, Edison Hurtado and others, popular leaders across their communal council, expressed carrying more than 15 years waiting to start Las Cristinas. This is a major mining company of which he expected work for many unemployed. Recognizing that the company Crystallex has been supporting various activities in socioproductivas, indicated that they have been raising that to start Las Cristinas, will reach agreements to which the project is located within the small-scale mining, especially that found inside and those other miners who may be incorporated. They said that there should be an integration of industry with small miners. They indicated that Crystallex has provided medical services, drinking water, while another hospital under construction and a processing plant wastewater. Of these always get together.

Indigenous Community

Northeast of Las Cristinas is the indigenous community of Santa Lucia Inaway whose original name was The Maloca. This community has more than 30 years installed there. Jesus Eduardo Pizarro, a native indigenous leader, who has held all positions of their own heads, being a former captain who serves as a community consultation, Crystallex said that the company maintains a programme of assistance to several communities.

- With regard to us-said-we must acknowledge that we have supported for various services. It is the case that when we have to travel to business meetings, the company gives us the logistics, starting with transport. They have maintained good relations with the community. What we expect is that starting the Las Cristinas project. Many indigenous brothers can work there. We indigenous unemployed. Meanwhile, cook Eduvigis Pizarro, a resident of this community, also ruled since the start Las Cristinas Project.

- We do not have to complain about what the company Crystallex. Even without starting the project, he worked as a cook, light-keeping personnel. Finalize the work has been paralyzed. We still hope that we call for further work.