"The CORE closes complaint regarding GobiMin Inc.’s alleged use of Uyghur forced labour in China" 24 April 2024

The Canada Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) published today its follow-up report regarding a complaint filed against GobiMin Inc., a Canadian mining company.

The complaint alleges that GobiMin has been implicated in Uyghur forced labour through exploration work carried out at its Sawayaerdun mine in Xinjiang, China...there is no indication that GobiMin has taken any concrete steps to ensure beyond a reasonable doubt that Uyghur forced labour is not implicated...

The Complainants indicate that by way of a letter dated November 12, 2021, they asked GobiMin to conduct human rights due diligence (HRDD) to ensure that they do not benefit form Uyghur forced labour. According to the Complainants, GobiMin did not reply to their inquiry...

The follow-up report indicates that GobiMin Inc. participated in the dispute resolution process in good faith and complied with the CORE’s recommendations. GobiMin Inc. provided information pertaining to its investment and divestment from the Sawayaerdun Gold Project, engaged with the CORE to draft and revise a responsible exit policy, publicized the policy on its website, and committed to following the policy effective February 16, 2024. Given GobiMin Inc.’s actions, the Ombudsperson decided not to exercise their discretion to make any recommendations to the Minister of International Trade and the complaint was closed...