Abstract

The Barrick Gold Company of Toronto is currently seeking to develop one of the largest gold reserves in the world. The project is called “Pascua Lama” and rather dramatically contrasts Barrick’s interests against a coalition of environmental and community activists. This paper describes the basics of gold mining, the Barrick Gold Company, the primary arguments in favor and against the Pascua Lama project. These elements are instructive examples of critical concepts such as stakeholder engagement, legitimacy and sustainability. In addition to reviewing these elements some “sensemaking” will be offered.