Among the Indian iron ore producers hit hardest by restrictions on extraction over the past three years, is Vedanta Resources plc. With a “measured” resumption of mining allowed by the Modi government, the London company has become the first Indian enterprise to re-open two mines in Goa which, along with Karnataka, suffered most from the 2012 embargos. Many communities in both these states have not forgotten the numerous examples of illegal and destructive actions for which Vedanta was responsible in the years leading up to the previous government’s decision to close the mines.
“The entry of TAC and Sonke, who are represented by Section27, will allow the two organisations to present to the court evidence showing the wider social impact of how gold mining companies have endangered workers, fuelled epidemics, impoverished communities and entrenched gender inequalities over the past five decades. This includes evidence on the way in which women bear the burden of the mining industry’s disregard for mineworkers’ health and their prioritisation of profit over people.”
A coalition of environmental and human rights organisations from the UK, Romania and Canada – including LMN – have called on prime minister David Cameron to intervene in an international case which is pitting a Canadian mining company against the government of Romania.
Native American tribes, notably the San Carlos Apaches, consider Oak Flat a sacred site, and the tribe has held religious and coming-of-age ceremonies there for generations. Thousands of climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, bird watchers and campers visit the Oak Flat campground and recreation area’s distinctive volcanic features each year. Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton are involved in this project.
