Since the October 2008 launch of CAFOD‘s Kept In the Dark report, more than 2,000 people have urged BHP Billiton to give communities in the Philippines an informed say over a potentially damaging new mine – but more action is needed
The report revealed how the community of Macambol has been kept in the dark about the proposed mine and how the process to secure indigenous people’s consent for it, as required under Filipino law, was seriously flawed.
In response, BHP Billiton say it has investigated the consent process and found no problems – but has so far been unwilling to share findings with CAFOD.
CAFOD is disappointed the company has not to date addressed any of the serious concerns outlined in the report.
Therefore it is more important than ever to keep the spotlight on BHP Billiton’s activities in the Philippines through meetings with the company and by keeping up public pressure from campaigners.
For more details and to participate in CAFOD’s campaign, see
http://www.cafod.org.uk/news/bhp-2008-01-15