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BHP, Rio, Corus sniffing around in Orissa

Richard — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:04:38 +0000

BHP Billiton is said to be making efforts to set up an alumina plant at Kalrapat in the Kalahandi district in the Indian state of Orissa. In this project, the London-listed company will have a partner from Orissa, Sulakshini Mines and Minerals.

The Corus Group has also been looking at opportunities to set up aluminium manufacturing facilities in Orissa. Officials said Corus is examining the possibility of setting up a value added aluminium production facility in Orissa.

Rio Tinto has also been negotiating since 1995 with the state government to develop iron ore deposits in a joint venture.

See http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page72068?oid=134138&sn=Detail&pid=102055.

Thailand’s SSI Proposes to Buy Tata’s Teesside Unit for About $500 Million

Richard — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:33:41 +0000

As Tata finally reneges on its earlier undertaking to guarantee jobs for workers at the Corus steel plant in the northern UK, a Thai company steps in to bale the operations out.

See http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-27/thailand-s-ssi-proposes-to-buy-tata-s-teesside-unit-for-about-500-million.html.…
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London Calling deplores the gilding of Tata’s tarnished image

Richard — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:05:30 +0000

New York-based Rainforest Alliance has certified Tata (Tetley brand) teas as “sustainable”. The first products carrying this highly sought-after stamp of approval will be selling in the UK before April, and throughout the world over the coming few years. Yet, Tata is on record as violating Indigenous Peoples’ rights, threatening the integrity of rainforests, and embarking on several mineral-related ventures that have prompted grave concerns in Asia, Africa and Europe. These are by no means the only ventures that severely call into question any claim the Tatas may make to being “ethical”. When it proudly breaks into the UK “fair trade” tea market this April, many British workers will fail to be impressed. These are the employees of Corus Steel – bought out by Tata in 2007, when the company guaranteed them jobs they’re now about to lose.

See: http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=9917.

The following response (unsigned) to the original allegations against the company has been published in the Indian weekly, Frontline. See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=9950.