London Mining Network

Holding the mining industry to account

Mercosur unhappy with EU mining rules on cyanide content

With weeks to go before the start of new Mercosur-EU talks on creating a free trade zone, the two sides clashed as they met in the Argentine capital to advance cooperation in mining trade. Officials said the clash occurred as ministers from Mercosur — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay — pointed out potential obstacles to [...]

Declaration of the Indigenous Communities of the Central Plateau of Chubut, Argentina

Open-pit metal mining  has been banned in the Argentinian province of Chubut since April 2003.  Law 5001, passed by provincial legislative power following the Esquel referendum,  resulting in the cancellation of Meridian Gold’s proposed gold mine. Nonetheless, the government has since allowed  companies to explore for, and develop, mineral deposits which would use open-cast processes. [...]

Groups urge US Ex-Im Bank not to fund Pascua Lama

Barrick is a Canadian company but London-based AXA Investment Managers UK Ltd had over $10 million invested in the company in 2007, BlackRock Commodities Income Trust plc has invested in the company, and the company also has connections with Millhouse Capital, controlled by London resident Roman Abramovich, and New City Investment Managers Ltd/NCIM (UK). (See [...]

BHP embroiled in Falklands row

Argentina’s ambassador to Australia says mining group BHP Billiton will face business sanctions if it pushes ahead with oil exploration in Falklands waters. BHP has a licence to explore off the Falkland Islands and is scheduled to start doing so in the next four months. But Ambassador Pedro Villagra says if the company proceeds, their [...]

Judge Suspends Yamana’s Agua Rica Project After Clashes in Andalgala, Argentina

One of the most controversial mining projects in Argentina, already affected by the economic crisis last year, has been halted by a court order after protests and clashes in the town of Andalgalá, Catamarca province. The judge’s decision to order an immediate suspension needs to be understood as a political one, rather than a strictly [...]

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