IV ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF MINING MINISTRIES
OF THE AMERICAS
(CAMMA 1999)
Caracas, 1999
By mandate of the Third Conference of Mining Ministries of the
Americas held in November 1998 in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and in accordance
with the Bolivia Summit on Sustainable Development, the Ministers, Vice-Ministers,
Secretaries of State, Under-secretaries, Directors General, and Heads of Delegation,
having assembled in the city of Caracas, Venezuela, on October 25, 1999 for the Fourth
Conference of Mining Ministries of the Americas, organized by the Ministry of Energy and
Mines of the Republic of Venezuela, make the following:
DECLARATION OF CARACAS
WHEREAS:
Ministers and other Heads of delegation, acknowledging the process made since the
signing of the Buenos Aires Declaration, reaffirm the understandings and commitments
contained therein;
It is important to disseminate the goals and objectives developed within the framework
of Annual Conferences of Mining Ministries of the Americas for the benefit of mining in
our countries.
It was agreed in the Buenos Aires Declaration to promote the setting up of information
networks to link the mining sector activities in the region. In complying with this,
under the coordination of Canada and the participation of other member countries, a
web-site has been designed for CAMMA with an initial structure that meets the established
objectives. Canada has volunteered to maintain this web-site.
The modernization and strengthening of the institutions of the mining sector, within
the framework of sustainable development, requires multidisciplinary and multisectoral
participation of all public and private stakeholders.
Each country will adopt its own model of mining management in accordance with its
circumstances and level of development.
Mining contributes to the economic development of countries and generates related
industrial activities - such as physical infrastructure for common use, services
communications, and opportunities for local and regional development.
Non-metallic mining contributes significantly by generating direct and indirect
employment in several industrial sectors, both domestic and foreign, and is basic to the
construction sector.
Information regarding product standardization, manufacturing, processing to increase
value, reduction of production and commercialization costs, and the demand projections
become significant factors to foster the development of non metallic mining.
Human Resources are the most important asset in a mining operation, therefore, zero
tolerance for accidents should be the goal in the mining industry.
Safety needs to be an integral part of operations in order for industry to be
productive.
Occupational health and safety is a shared responsibility among workers, companies and
governments.
Training staff at all corporate levels is vital for occupational health and safety in
mining.
Health care systems should consider local geographical conditions and associated risks.
Mobilization of investment funds to finance mining projects, particularly in
exploration, is an integral part od mining development. There exists capital, which
could be applied to this type of investment in Latin America, but which requires
appropriate mechanisms to direct investments to this activity.
Mine closure should be considered from the design stage of the mining project, and
planned closure is a necessary element for the mining activity to contribute to
sustainable development of our countries, allowing the establishment of clearer and more
stable conditions for investment.
Good relations between mining activities and the communities help achieve the
objectives established by the principle of sustainable development.
In keeping with the Declaration of the Third Conference of Mining Ministries of the
Americas, a Pan-American Workshop on Occupational Health and Safety in Mining was held in
Buenos Aires, July 12-13, 19990 involving the representatives of governments, enterprises,
institutions and NGOs from 12 countries. The Workshop was organized by Argentina,
Canada, Chile and Peru. Conclusions and recommendations of the Workshop are
presented in Annex I.
The Meeting of Experts of the Ministries of Mining of the Americas held in Buenos
Aires, Argentina, on July 14-16, has developed proposals on integrating Mining Information
Systems of the Americas, modernizing and Strengthening Mining Sector Public Institutions,
Development of Non-Metallic Mining in the Americas, which are included in Annex II.
Based on the foregoing,
The Mining Ministries of the Americas, which respecting each country's
jurisdictional arrangements, have agreed to:
1. Ask the Ministry of Energy and Mines of the Republic of Venezuela to serve as
Secretariat for the Annual Conference of Mining Ministries of the Americas, and that in
fulfilling this mandate, to co-ordinate cooperative efforts requested as well as to
disseminate information on the appropriate workshops to give effect to the decisions taken
in this Declaration.
2. The Coordinating Committee, until the next Conference will comprise
representatives from Venezuela (Executive Secretariat), Canada (Organizer of the next
Conference), Mexico (North America), Nicaragua (Central America), Dominican Republic
(Caribbean), Colombia (South America, except MERCOSUR), and Argentina (MERCOSUR). The
Committee will be responsible of coordinating and following up on the projects and ideas
for the Action Plan, which were proposed by participating countries in Annex III and which
form part of this Declaration.
3. Create a CAMMA website, accept the Canadian offer regarding
the website maintenance for a two year period starting in October 1999,
and request that each government represented in CAMMA update its country
profile on the CAMMA website or provide a link to the country's website.
4. Promote specific activities to produce the necessary cultural change - both within
institutions and in the community - with the goal of achieving a positive image of
metallic and non metallic mining and better communication among the stakeholders through
the creation of opportunities for participation and the search for consensus among all
stakeholders.
5. Promote updating and effective application of regulatory frameworks that govern the
activities of the mining sector related to basic geological information, investment,
environmental management, and development of the non-metallic sector.
6. Grant equal access to information about the sector to all interested groups,
improve access to this information and facilitate decision making in both the design and
implementation of policies such as those for investment, through the implementation of
transparent systems and procedures, and the creation of local data bases that will permit
the creation of a regional database.
7. Promote the modernization and strengthening of the government and private-sector
institutions involved in mining within the framework of sustainable development and
promote the organization and strengthening of government institutions specialized in
regional geological knowledge, in order to identify the natural resources that generate
wealth, and the natural and environmental hazards derived from geological processes and
mining to support policy and investment decisions in all areas related to administration
of lands and sustainable management of resources.
8. Implement processes of education, training, re-certification and continuing
education of 'the workforce of mining and associated institutions, in particular the
geological and mining services, promoting the multidisciplinary vision necessary to deal
with the complexity of the problems of the sector and the specific problems of the
small-and medium-sized producers, and guarantee the contribution of science and technology
and of organizations for technical and professional development and continuing education.
9. Promote the design and application of different instruments, based on the needs and
characteristics of mining companies in matters of technical assistance in management,
self-diagnosis, cost analysis, market information, and quality systems and others aspects
that may be applicable, as well as the implementation and development of new technologies
to increase productivity that will encourage change and competitive entrepreneurship.
10. Promote opportunities and linking mechanisms with other organizations in the field
of mining investment, in particular in matters of energy, infrastructure, environmental
protection and water resources, in order to facilitate the coordination of decisions,
projects and investment.
11. Strengthen the necessary relationships between mining ministries and the foreign
affairs and environmental ministries of the various countries, to address topics related
to the defense and promotion of metals and minerals markets within the framework of
international regulatory trends in this area. Likewise, promote cooperative relations
between CAMMA and other regional mining for a, such as APEC-GEMEED and PECC's Minerals
Forum.
12. Highlight the importance of mining as a factor in regional development, pointing
out the potential for productive linkages, incorporating value-added activities, and
development programs for suppliers.
13. Promote the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized producers through the
promotion of investment in physical infrastructure and services.
14. Conduct a study at the regional level of the potential opportunities of the
creation of a capital market for mining, particularly exploration, taking into account the
experience within the region and of other countries that have had capital markets and
other mechanisms of this type focused on financing mining. If it offers advantages,
propose the most appropriate structure for the application of such a mechanism within the
region. This study should take into account the need to ensure transparency, protect
investors, market stability and other disclosure standards necessary for ensuring that the
mechanism supports exploration and other mining activities, and consistent with the
principle of sustainable development.
15. Promote the integration of all information on nonmetallic minerals regarding
supply, demand, forecasts, imports, exports, securities and other information required to
for market analysis, and produce information for regional databases.
16. Share information among countries regarding legislation on tariffs, .transport, the
environment and other related regulations that affect non-metallic minerals markets.
17. Propose to the governments to ratify or approve, according to their interests,
Conventions and Recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) referring
to occupational health and safety in mines.
18. Implement safety procedures at all stages of mining activity, including those
carried out by third party contractors, where governments should maintain their capacity
to regulate, supervise and control these procedures.
19. Promote continental mechanisms to foster technical cooperation that addresses not
only training and development but also harmonization of norms and procedures.
20. Promote a regional study and exchange of information regarding all aspects of mine
closure, such as the legal and institutional framework, the future use of affected lands,
and environmental, social and economic elements. In this process it is necessary to
consider the important differences among the situations of new mines; operating mines,
especially those which have been exploited for many years; and abandoned workings.
21. Promote studies and exchange of experiences and information on issues related to
taxation policies in the mining industry.
22. In preparation for the next Conference of Mining Ministries of the Americas, the
Ministry of Energy and Mines of Venezuela, serving as Executive Secretariat, shall arrange
a Meeting of Experts in Caracas in June or July 2000 and shall coordinate the exchange of
information on topics suggested by the countries for inclusion in the Agenda.
23. To organize the V Annual Conference of Mining Ministries of the Americas in Canada,
on October 5th and 6th of 2000.
In agreement and in conformity with the above, signed by the representatives of the
Ministries of Mines of the Americas present at the IV Annual Conference
Lic. Daniel Meilan
Under-Secretary of Mining
ARGENTINA
Rene Rengel Dominguez
Vice Minister of Mining and Metallurgy
BOLIVIA
Luciano de Freitas Borges
Secretary of Mines and Metallurgy
BRAZIL
Linda J. Keen
Assistant Deputy Minister, Minerals and Metals
CANADA
Sergio Jiménez Moraga
Minister of Mines
CHILE
Dr. Luis Carlos Valenzuela
Minister of Mines and Energy
COLOMBIA
Marcos Portal Leon
Minister of Base Industry
CUBA
Octavio L6pez Taveras
Under Secretary of Mining
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Santiago Cord6vez Noboa
Under Secretary of Mining
ECUADOR
Coy G. Roache
Commissioner of Mines and Geology
JAMAICA
Ignacio Navarro Zennerio
General Coordinator of Mining of the
Secretariat of Commerce and Industrial Promotion
MEXICO
Jorge Luis Prendiz Bonilla
Executive Director of Geological
Resources Management Administration
NICARAGUA
Luis Antonio Servin
Director of Mineral Resources
Vice-Ministry of Mines and Energy
PARAGUAY
Juan Mendoza
Vice Minister of Mines
PERU
Liakat Ali Errol Alibux
Minister of Natural Resources
SURINAM
Dr. Sylvia Baca
Assistant Secretary, Department of Interior
UNITED STATES
Gonzalo Illarramendi Tarabal
National Director of Mining and Geology
URUGUAY
Ali Rodriguez Araque
Ministry of Energy and Mines
VENEZUELA
Annex I
PAN AMERICAN WORKSHOP ON OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN MINING
JULY 12-13, 1999
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
CONCLUSIONS
Bearing in mind that zero tolerance for accidents should be the goal, the Pan
American Workshop on Occupational Health and Safety in Mines has articulated the following
principles:
- In order for industry to be productive, workers need to work safely.
- Occupational health and safety is a shared responsibility. Industry (employers) has the
responsibility to supply the ways and means (training and equipment) for a safe work
site-, workers are responsible to learn how and perform their work safely; and governments
are responsible to legislate safe working conditions.
- The International Labour Organization Conventions and Recommendations including the
Convention on Safety in Mines should be considered as principles in workplace safety.
- Safety procedures need to be fully implemented and monitored for compliance. Clearly
stated consequences for non-compliance are important.
- Audits on occupational health and safety in mines and industry/workers mine site
inspections (performed by worker associations) are useful tools to ensure workplace
safety.
- Health care systems should consider local geographical conditions and associated risks.
- Workers and labour organizations should take part in the debates prior to issuing-
regulations.
- Flexible labour regulations and third-party contractors should recognize basic mining
health and safety conditions.
- Governments should maintain their role and capacity to regulate, inspect and control.
- Training staff is vital for occupational health and safety in mines.
- Technological development requires looking for, identifying, designing and developing-
new safety systems.
- Occupational health and safety for the extraction of industrial minerals and building
materials, should be addressed in the same way as in metal mining.
According to the respective jurisdictions established in each country and, in virtue
of the above mentioned principles, we make the following recommendations to the IV Annual
Conference of Mines Ministries of the Americas:
- Governments are asked to consider ratifying ILO conventions.
- Trade unions, companies and governments should train employees on health and safety
matters, so as to preserve the health and safety of workers.
- Workers should participate in developing company norms regarding occupational health and
safety, and should be involved in the effective implementation and fulfillment of such
norms.
- All accidents should be reported to pertinent authorities and then be investigated.
Accident reports should clearly state the cause of accidents so as to prevent repetition
in the future.
- Promote continental mechanisms to foster technical co-operation, that will result not
only in training development but also in the harmonization of norms and procedures.
- Governments should gather, standardize, and publish national statistics on occupational
health and safety in mines.
- Governments should promote the purchase of technical equipment for monitoring and
control.
- It is necessary to promote the creation of graduate and post graduate
programs on occupational health and safety, so as to obtain professionals and technical
specialists able to disseminate their expertise and lead the training process.
- All new mining workers should receive appropriate training.
Annex II
INTEGRATING MINING INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE
AMERICAS
PANEL 1
CONSIDERATIONS:
- The importance of disseminating the goals and objectives developed within the framework
of Annual Conferences on Mining of the Americas for the benefit of mining in our
countries.
- In the Buenos Aires Declaration it was agreed to promote the setting up of information
networks to link the mining sector activities in the region.
- Web-sites have proved to be useful and efficient communication tools.
- The CAMMA Secretariat in collaboration with Canada and other member countries, as a part
of the actions developed in the CAMMA framework, have designed a web-site that, in the
opinion of the participants to the experts meeting, provides a very satisfactory
preliminary structure to meeting CAMMA objectives.
- The positive experience ultilizing web-sites that CAMMA countries have had in
organizations such as MERCOSUR, APEC-GEMEED, international metal commodity study groups
and UNCTAD.
- Canada has volunteered to maintain the CAMMA web-site for a two year period.
- The CAMMA web-site is a useful tool to strengthen the collective goals and activities of
the institution and for the promotion of a mutual understanding of mining policies towards
sustainable development in the Americas.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- Each government represented in CAMMA should update the country profile in the CAMMA
web-site.
- Governments having specific web-sites on mining are responsible for their updating,
whereas countries having no web-site are recommended to consider the possibility of
creating such web-sites.
- With reference to the above mentioned provision, it is recommended to use bilateral or
multilateral cooperation as a tool for the creation or improvement and organization of
national mining information to be used through the CAMMA web-site.
- Each member country should update to the CAMMA Secretariat the name of the person
responsible for r local maintenance of information to be included in the CAMMA web-site.
- It is recommended accepting the Canadian offer regarding the web-site i-maintenance for
a two year commitment as from October 1999, and we very much appreciate this significant
cooperation.
PANEL 1 - Integrating Mining Information Systems in the Americas
|
Country |
Name |
| ARGENTINA |
OSCAR CRETTINI |
| CANADA |
SUSAN POLLAK |
| CANADA |
YVAN GAUTHIER |
| CANADA |
WANDA HOSKIN |
| CANADA |
KOSTA KOKKINOS |
| CHILE |
TOMAS ASTORGA |
| UNITED STATES |
CARSON W. CULP |
| MEXICO |
MARIA M. LOZADA NAVA |
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC |
OCTAVIO LOPEZ TAVERAS |
| VENEZUELA |
ANDREA JIMENEZ |
| |
|
MODERNIZING AND STRENGTHENING MINING SECTOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
PANEL 2
The agreed proposals have been placed within the following frame of reference:
- Modernization and strengthening of the institutions of the mining sector within the
framework of sustainable development require multidisciplinary and multisectoral
participation of all public and private stakeholders.
- Each country will adopt its own model of mining management in accordance with its
circumstances and level of development.
The members of Panel 2 agree in proposing the following courses of action:
- Promote specific projects to produce the necessary culture change both within
institutions and in the community with the goal of achieving a positive view of mining,
and better communication among the stakeholders through the generation of opportunities
for participation and the search for consensus among all actors.
- Promote updating the regulatory frameworks that govern the activities of the mining
sector related to the generation of geological information, investment, and environmental
management.
- Disseminate information about mining activity in the community through available
networks and appropriate tools available in each region as well as exchange mechanisms and
comparative analysis of themes of interest to this sector.
- Implement transparent systems and procedures in order to improve access to information
relating to the sector, to guarantee equal opportunities for all interested groups and to
make possible decision making in both design and implementation of policies and
investment.
- Promote the organization and support of government groups specialized in regional
geological knowledge, in order to identify the natural resources which generate wealth,
the environmental issues related to mining, and the natural and environmental hazards
deriving from geologic processes to support policy decisions in all aspects related to the
administration of lands and the sustainable management of resources.
- Guarantee the participation of stakeholders involved in the process of mining, with
emphasis on the contribution of the science and technology and organizations for technical
and professional development and continuing education.
- Promote effective and strengthened systems of public mining administration with a clear
and simple allocation of responsibilities.
- Recognize a range of instruments according to the need in matters of technical
assistance in management, self-diagnosis, cost analysis, market information, and quality
systems and others aspects that may be applicable.
- Implement processes of education, rectification and continuing education of human
resources in mining and associated institutions, in particular of the geological
and mining services promoting the multidisciplinary vision necessary to deal with the
complexity of the problems of the sector and the specific problems of the small- and
medium-sized producers.
- Promote opportunities and link mechanisms with non-mining organizations related to
mining investment, in particular in matters of energy, infrastructure, environmental
protection and water resources, which facilitate the coordination of decisions, projects
and investment process.
- Strengthen the necessary and relationship between the mining sector, the offices of
foreign affairs and environment of the various countries, to address topics related to the
defense and promotion of metals and minerals markets, within the framework of
international regulatory trends in this area.
- Disseminate the importance of mining as a factor in regional development, pointing out
the potential for productive linkages, incorporating the value-added activities, and with
development programs for suppliers.
- Promote investment in physical infrastructure and services with the goal of facilitating
the competitiveness of the small and medium size producers.
- Carry out the necessary studies to analyze the possibility of creating a capital market
for the sector.
- Increase mechanisms of cooperation among the countries in the region for the exchange of
experiences that facilitate the modernization of the sector and technology transfer.
PANEL 2: Modernizing and strengthening mining sector public institutions
| COUNTRY |
NAME |
| ARGENTINA |
OSCAR TANGELSON |
| ARGENTINA |
SILVIA BAUNI |
| ARGENTINA |
CELIA GRAMON |
| ARGENTINA |
NESTOR NAZER |
| BRAZIL |
CARLOS A. RAMOS NEVES |
| CANADA |
LUKE J.D. DANIELSON |
| CHILE |
TOMAS ASTORGA |
| UNITED STATES |
MICHAEL SHELTON |
| PARAGUAY |
JUAN C. BENITEZ MALDONADO |
| PARAGUAY |
LUIS ANTONIO SERVIN VILLALBA |
| PERU |
CARLOS ARANDA |
| VENEZUELA |
ZONIA OSORIO DE FERNANDEZ |
| A.G.S.M.I. |
ROBERTO F.N. PAGE |
| |
|
DEVELOPMENT OF NON-METALLIC MINING IN THE AMERICAS
PANEL 3
Conclusions
- Mining contributes to the economic development of countries and generates related
industrial activities - such as physical infrastructure for common use, service
availability and communications - and good opportunities for local and regional
development.
- Particularly, non metallic mining contributes to generating significant direct and
indirect employment in several domestic and export industrial sectors, and is basic to the
construction sector.
- The potential to increase the economic benefits deriving from non metallic mineral
development is also facing the same paradigm as metals: integration of sustainable
development factors, to face social, economic and environmental challenges.
- Non metallic mining encourages the development of value added products and the wide
range of products allows for a balanced economic development in each country.
- The value of non metallic minerals is given by both the market selling price and the
demand conditions - quality, quantity and delivery terms.
- Therefore, information regarding product standardization, manufacturing processing to
increase value, production and commercialization costs reduction and the demand
specifications become significant factors to foster the development of non metallic
mining.
- At the same time, it is necessary to address challenges such as different legislation
and regulations, lack of awareness on the importance of the industry by the public,
incomplete information regarding the quality and quantity of the resources and operations'
environmental and technological difficulties.
In order to determine the strategic plan the following objectives have been
considered:
MAIN GOAL:
To develop and increase non metallic mining at the extraction and industrial level
SPECIFIC GOALS:
- Identification of resources by producing and updating basic information.
- Comparison of countries' current legislation.
- Classification of supply and identification of existing mining activities.
- Description of demand and market conditions.
- Identification of market access and barriers in each country.
- Technological upgrading of operations to reduce costs and increase competitiveness.
- Infrastructure upgrading to reduce production and commercialization costs.
- Information dissemination and pro-notion of non-metallic mining.
- Encouraging the use of environmental best practices to achieve sustainable development
of mining.
- Improving competitiveness and profitability.
Suggested actions for achieving the above mentioned goals:
- Strengthen organizations related to the mining sector.
- Pertinent authorities should study legislation to foster the development of the non
metallic mining sector.
- Creation of local data bases with the objective of creating a broad regional data base.
- Identification of a central governmental body to compile information on supply, demand,
forecasts, imports, exports, securities and the information required to analyze the
market, and produce information for regional data bases.
- Sharing information among countries regarding tariff, transport, environmental and other
regulations that affect the non metallic minerals markets.
- Promote the implementation and development of new technologies to increase productivity.
- Generate the conditions which will increase the levels of investment, public or private,
in infrastructure.
- Organize local and regional seminars,exhibitions and other events together with written
material for public interest to disseminate data and information to demonstrate the
contribution of non metallic mining to development.
- Develop and implement effective environmental legislation.
- Apply plans and programs encouraging the development of competitive enterprises
PANEL 3: Development of non-metallic mining in the Americas
| COUNTRY |
NAME |
| ARGENTINA |
OSVALDO CORDOBA |
| ARGENTINA |
EMORE BORELLI |
| ARGENTINA |
HUGO NIELSON |
| ARGENTINA |
MARCELO PASIN |
| ARGENTINA |
LILIANA TASSILE |
| BRAZIL |
MARCOS MARON |
| CANADA |
DENIS LAGACE |
| CHILE |
RICARDO TRONCOSO SAN MARTIN |
| UNITED STATES |
TONI L. FERGUSON |
| PANAMA |
IVAN G. GONZALEZ V. |
| PANAMA |
JAIME PASHALES ARAUZ |
| PERU |
FERNANDO GALA SOLDEVILLA |
| URUGUAY |
GONZALO ILLARRAMENDI |
| VENEZUELA |
ROSARIO BAJO DE OSUNA |
| CEPAL |
EDUARDO CHAPARRO AVILA |
| |
|
Annex III
PROJECT PROPOSALS TO THE III CONFERENCE OF
MINING MINISTRIES OF THE AMERICAS FOR THE 1999 ACTION PLAN
A. Projects being executed
| Project 01/99 - |
Inventory of Mining Resources of member countries of the Caribbean State
Association |
| Project 06/99 - |
South American Metalogenic Charts |
| Project 09/99 - |
Pan-American Mining Occupational Health Workshop |
| Project 11/99 - |
Meeting to identify the best practices to prevent contamination and
reclamation of damaged mined land with a view to promote sustainable development in mining
- Mining and Environmental Symposium, Las Vegas USA, 11,12 October 2000
- Compared Legislation Report by CEPAL
|
| Project 13/99 - |
Establishing data banks and information networks |
| Project 19/99 - |
Capital Markets |
B. Proposed projects
| Project 02/99 |
Minerals and Metals in the Americas: Implementing Sustainable Development |
| Project 03/99 |
Design, implementation and monitoring of environmental mining policies |
| Project 04/99 |
Identification of the Scientific-Technological mining Supply in the
American Continent |
| Project 05/99 |
Minerals Market
|
| Project 07/99 |
Identification of the required infrastructure works towards greater
efficiency in mineral freight movements in intra- and extra-regional trade |
| Project 08/99 |
Seminar on Environment and Ethnic minorities |
| Project 10/99 |
Workshop on Training in rescue techniques in underground coal mines |
| Project 12/99 |
Modernization of mining legislation to provide countries in the Region
with a more appropriate legal framework to facilitate and improve relations with mining
companies. |
| Project 15/99 |
Submarine Mining exploration. |
| Project 16/99 |
Central America Regional Geology Map. |
| Project 17/99 |
Training of Mining Human Resources. |
| Project 18/99 |
Study Legislation to make the necessary amendments towards developing non
metallic mining sector. |
| Project 20/99 |
Study and exchange of information on closure and abandonment of mining
works. |
|
|
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