The Boroo Gold Mine Strike was a 2009 strike by mineworkers in Selenge, Mongolia against unsafe working conditions and low wages.
Background
Cyanide Leak
Workers at Boroo reported water sources near the mine being contaminated with cyanide leakage from the mine, which had been actively ignored by government officials and safety inspectors.[1]
Wage Gaps
Many workers were angry at the disparity of wages and conditions between themselves and expat workers brought in by the company. Disclosures on the internet revealed that they received 30 to 40 times more than locals. “Expats are pampered—they even have personal bodyguards when they go out clubbing” one worker said.[1]
Severance Pay
The union was demanding 9.4 million USD severance pay in total, less than 1 per cent of the company’s profit, but initially all the company offered was 3 months salary. Management has also been accused of mistreating workers, threatening to fire them and making derogatory comments. The head of Boroo, John Kazakoff was alleged to say that workers would have been herding livestock without Boroo.[1]
Events
Over one hundred workers pitched tents outside the gate and blocked the main entrance. Another 200 staged a stay-in strike. The mine manager responded by terminating all food provisions, and workers in turn by blocked internal roads.[1]
Results
The license held by the mining company was suspended, and workers were offered greater severance packages, ending the strike.[2]