London Mining NetworkXstrata | London Mining Network

Xstrata knocked back in Philippines

Richard — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:29:26 +0000

Efforts to bring the massive Tampakan copper-gold project to commercial phase suffered a major blow after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources rejected the proponent’s application for an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

Documents obtained by the Diocese of Marbel showed that Environment Secretary Ramon Paje rejected the ECC application of Sagittarius Mines, Inc., (SMI) due to the open-pit mining ban imposed by the provincial government of South Cotabato.

Sagittarius Mines is controlled by Xstrata Copper, the world’s fourth largest copper producer. Xstrata is based in Switzerland but listed on the London Stock Exchange.

See http://www.mindanews.com/environment/2012/01/13/denr-denies-smi%E2%80%99s-ecc-application-smi-to-appeal-for-reconsideration/.

Philippines: Another natural disaster reignites the mining debate

Shortly before Christmas 2011 the Philippines reconfirmed its reputation for natural disasters when tropical storm Washi (local name Sendong) caused devastation on the north coast of Mindanao. As previously, the cause of much of the catastrophe appears man-made, thanks mainly to the denudation of forest cover on the watersheds.

Although the Philippine mining industry was quick to note there was no large-scale mining that would have directly affected this particular tragedy, the role of mining in the region has been highlighted again. It has certainly highlighted the exemption that allows mining companies to continue logging despite bans put in place after similar incidents.

Then on January 5th a subsequent landslide hit a gold-mining area, which is subject to such incidents, with an estimated 25 fatalities. This particularly highlighted the potential for widespread disaster at Xstrata‘s nearby Tampakan project.

See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=11405&l=1.

Statement by communities affected by mining in La Guajira, Colombia

Richard — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:44:43 +0000

A gathering of communities was held in late November and a strong statement isued about the damge done by mining in La Guajira – including by Cerrejon Coal, owned by London-listed Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Xstrata.

See http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/10539469/613361253/name/111120+Guajira+communities++statement+-+English+version.pdf.

Colombia’s mining boom overshadowed by human rights violations

Richard — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:43:43 +0000

A report by Peace Brigades International (PBI) declares that Colombia’s current mining boom is overshadowed by human rights violations and mass displacement of residents in mining areas. “80% of the human rights violations that have occurred in Colombia in the last ten years were committed in mining and energy-producing regions, and 87% of Colombia’s displaced population originate from these places,” says the report published by the international human rights organisation last week.

Among London-listed mining companies active in Colombia are Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, BHP Billiton, Glencore, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.

See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=11381&l=1.

Collahuasi withdraws EIS for US$173mn water transfer project

Richard — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:24:21 +0000

Chilean miner Collahuasi has withdrawn an environmental impact study (EIS) submitted on November 18 for a US$173mn water transfer system to supply its expansion project in Chile’s northern region I.

The EIS was undergoing the admissibility test and was expected to be rejected after failing to comply with certain formal requirements.

Collahuasi is jointly controlled by London-listed Xstrata and Anglo American, each with a 44% stake, while the remainder belongs to a group of Japanese companies led by Mitsui.

See http://www.bnamericas.com/news/mining/collahuasi-withdraws-eis-for-us173mn-water-transfer-project/277296304.

Richest Australians see their pickings fall – and mine safety record shames entire industry

Richard — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:22:51 +0000

How the mighty have fallen!

According to a recent survey, billions of dollars have been wiped off the bank accounts of Australia’s richest individuals – especially those who profit from the mining industry.

Nonetheless, they’re far from being completely down, Down-Under. Gina Rinehart clings on as Australia’s richest woman (and the richest woman in global mining), despite her personal wealth reducing by around A$1.6 billion over the past six months.

Glencore’s Ivan Glasenberg still has an A$6.6 billion share of the London-listed giant commodities trader/mining company, although it’s fallen in value by over 25% since May.

(Also mentions BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.)

See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=11365.

Xstrata under fire on three continents

Richard — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 09:31:10 +0000

Protesters storm Xstrata’s London HQ

Protesters’ account and comments at N30, corporate greed, Xstrata and the right to protest, http://occupylsx.org/?p=1755.

Cerrejon adopts human rights policy

Richard — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:34:36 +0000

Cerrejon Coal, a joint venture of London-listed Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Xstrata, has adopted a human rights policy. It remains to be seen how closely the company will live up to it. If it does so, communities around the mine would benefit.

See http://www.cerrejon.com/site/Portals/1/Documents/pdf/policies/Cerrejon-%20Human%20Rights%20Policy.pdf.

For background, see articles at http://londonminingnetwork.org/?s=cerrejon.

If you live in the UK, PLEASE URGE YOUR MP TO SIGN EARLY DAY MOTION 2396 ON CERREJON. See http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/11/please-urge-your-mp-to-sign-early-day-motion-2396-on-cerrejon-coal/.

British embassies support our mining companies to do business overseas, says UK Ambassador to the Philippines

Richard — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:22:44 +0000

“Today, Britain’s significance to the industry is as a centre for global mining – in terms of finance, technology and know-how. The City of London offers a wide range of financial services to the global industry, including unparalleled capital raising opportunities and advisory services. Four of the world’s five largest mining companies are listed in London, and two of these are also head-quartered there (Anglo American and Rio Tinto). … London-listed Xstrata is an investor in the Tampakan mining project in Mindanao, potentially the largest ever foreign investment project in the Philippines. … Smaller, fast-growing mining companies often list on AIM – London’s Alternative Investment Market.”

The Tampakan project is extremely controversial. For background, see http://londonminingnetwork.org/?s=tampakan.

Read the ambassador’s blog at http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/stephenlillie/2011/11/17/responsible-mining-in-the-philippines/.

Please urge your MP to sign Early Day Motion 2396 on Cerrejon Coal

Richard — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:40:36 +0000

Jeremy Corbyn MP and others have tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the UK Government to support the demands of communities affected by the Cerrejon coal mine in Colombia, jointly owned by London-listed mining companies Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Xstrata.

If you live in the UK, please contact your MP and ask him or her to sign this EDM.

If you do not know how to contact your MP, go to http://www.writetothem.com/.

For the text and signatories, see http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2396.

CERREJÓN COAL COMPANY MINE, COLOMBIA

That this House expresses concern about the devastating social and environmental impacts of the Cerrejn Coal company’s huge opencast coal mine in Colombia, owned in equal parts by London-listed multinationals Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Xstrata; notes with concern that communities forcibly dispersed before these companies bought the mine have yet to receive justice in the form of adequate compensation or community resettlement; further notes with concern that an agreement to reconstruct the evicted community of Tabaco remains unfulfilled and that communities currently facing involuntary resettlement accuse Cerrejn Coal of inefficiency and injustice in its dealings with them; is concerned that the proposed deviation of the River Rancheria, the main river in La Guajira, for mine expansion, will threaten water security for the region; further notes that some of these communities have formed a federation to seek justice from the company; further notes that the President of this federation has sought the support of British parliamentarians and that unionised mineworkers at Cerrejn fully support this federation; and urges the Government to require the London-listed companies involved to ensure that the federation’s demands are accepted in full by Cerrejn Coal.

Philippines: Where is the safety?

Richard — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:17:28 +0000

Following recent attempts to militarise mine sites, and associated killings, there has been a plethora of news stories on Philippines mining issues.

There is more fall-out from the murder of Fr. Fausto ‘Pops’ Tentorio, as the investigators pursue “anti-mining” motives for his murder. Fr Fausto opposed Xstrata’s Tampakan project.

See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=11298.

Australia Passes Landmark Carbon Price Laws

Richard — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:07:48 +0000

Australia passed landmark laws last week to impose a price on carbon emissions in one of the biggest economic reforms in a decade and injecting new impetus into December’s global climate talks in South Africa.

Among London-listed mining companies affected are Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.

See http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/08/us-australia-carbon-idUSTRE7A60PO20111108.

Priest’s murder related to Xstrata mining project?

Richard — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:03:30 +0000

The murder by suspected paramilitary forces of Fr. Tentorio maybe related to his opposition to the Xstrata mining project in South Cotabato, the largest ever in Philippine history, with a staggering 10,000 hectares covering four provinces. If its proposed equally largest-ever tailings dam bursts, it will be the disaster of the century, making the Marcopper dam in Marinduque look like a kiddie pool affair. It will let loose toxic wastes into six rivers, down more than 100,000 hectares of lush farmlands. Why does the government insist on such a risky affair?

See http://www.sisterraquel.com/2011/10/eastwind-journals-02.

See also: open letter to President Aquino and Xstrata.

This open letter to President Aquino explains the grave danger of an environmental mega-disaster if he approves Xstrata-SMI’s mining project, the biggest in Philippine history. The tailings mega- dam, located at a mountain top, sits directly below a seismic fault, located at a very high altitude. If the dam bursts, 1.1 billion metric tons of toxic mud will drain into 6 rivers in 4 provinces, causing irreversible damage.

http://www.sisterraquel.com/2011/11/eastwind-journals-03

Killing of anti-mining Italian priest condemned by environmental activists

Richard — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:45:51 +0000

Environmental activists under the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment condemned the recent killing of an Italian missionary active in opposing large-scale mining plunder, including by London-listed Xstrata, and advocating for indigenous people’s rights in Mindanao, Philippines.

Elsewhere in the Philippines there was a victory for community opposition to mining, as the Canadian company, Ivanhoe, 49% owned by London-listed Rio Tinto, has withdrawn its plans to explore copper-gold prospects in the province of Romblon. In taking this decision, Ivanhoe cited the “strong opposition of local politicians” to its copper-gold prospects.

See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/11258.

Australia passes its carbon act

Richard — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:32:26 +0000

The Australian government hast passed its “carbon tax” legislation, marking the first time that a major industrialised state has attempted to price, and place a cap on, its greenhouse gas emissions. Acrimonious debate around the proposal had evoked the often-irrational fears, both of the rightwing opposition and some business and mining representatives, that the country is now headed for economic dissolution, if not bankruptcy.

Among the companies mining coal in Australia are Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.

See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=11243.

UK companies wage coal war on Peace River

Richard — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:19:15 +0000

Xstrata to acquire Canadian metallurgical coal deposit

Xstrata Coal has entered into an agreement to acquire the Lossan metallurgical coal deposit in British Columbia, Canada, from Cline Mining for C$40m ($38.45m). The coal deposit is located in the Peace River Coalfield of north eastern British Columbia and covers an area of about 3,800 hectares.

See http://coal.energy-business-review.com/news/xstrata-to-acquire-canadian-metallurgical-coal-deposit-071011.

Anglo American completes acquisition of PRC

Anglo American has acquired 100% ownership of Peace River Coal (PRC), through the acquisition of the remaining 25.17% interest in PRC for a total value of $166m. PRC located in British Columbia, Canada, comprises of trend metallurgical coal mine and various exploration leases.

See http://coal.energy-business-review.com/news/anglo-american-completes-acquisition-of-prc-061011.