Latest News
Glencore taking over the world
Glencore, the world's biggest commodities trader, located about 30 kilometres outside Zurich, Switzerland, has not been a big name in the public domain, because it has been in private hands for almost 40 years. But now it represents 2011's biggest sharemarket listing,...
Nuclear news
Germany to Halt Nuclear Power Production by 2022 “The exit is necessary, and is recommended, in order to rule out the risks of nuclear power,” the commission said. “It is possible, because there are less risky alternatives.” It identified wind, solar, water as...
MEPs call for moratorium on public financing of mining projects
In an open letter addressed to the EU president, the EU presidency and the European commission, 50 MEPs from 4 different political parties (S&D, Greens, Gue/Nordic Left and ALDE) call for “a moratorium on EU public financing for mining projects until adequate...
Glencore: the monster has landed!
The world's biggest commodities' trader has "gone public" on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges, following the conditional issue of shares to its so-called "cornerstone investors" over the previous week. Glencore has leapt straight into the FTSE 100 list of the...
Tanzania: Murders at North Mara
Seven die in "clash" at Barrick mine Since it was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2010, African Barrick - subsidiary of the world's biggest gold mining company - has been beset by accusations of committing major human rights abuses in Tanzania. Last week, seven...
Vedanta – once more unto the breach!
Second red mud spill reported in Orissa The Norwegian government seemed to have got it right when it dumped its holding in London-listed Vedanta in 2007, effectively damning the company as a "serial offender". In late 2010 the company was found guilty of polluting a...
Goldcorp hammered for abuses in Guatemala
Last week, Latin American human rights advocates and Indigenous Peoples' representatives were in Vancouver, testifying to the devastating impacts that Canadian-owned mines are having on their lives, homes and territories. They levelled accusations specifically against...
Rending Bangladesh Asunder?
Coal projects threaten unique wetlands Having waited some years for a national coal policy to be introduced by the government, citizens of Bangladesh are still in the dark over whether coherent regulations will be introduced this year. The ruling party still seems...
India: POSCO's potential corruption must be investigated
Leading social activists call for suspension of massive project On Wednesday 18 May a statement was released, signed by some of India's leading social activists, calling for an urgent criminal investigation into violations by a number of government officials which,...
Indonesia Finally Signs Forest Clearing Moratorium
BHP Billiton project may be at risk In a broadly welcome move, the Indonesian government has introduced a moratorium on the issuing of new permits for forest felling in the country. However, critics say it doesn't go far enough, and would still allow some damaging...