Large-scale, open-pit gold mines are on the rise throughout Europe. This is something EU citizens are generally not aware of, but the metals used in computers, electronic devices and mobile phones have to come from somewhere. Modern mining mutilates the environment; causes lasting pollution; uses large quantities of highly toxic chemicals such as cyanide and often also displaces entire communities.
A Colombian legal tribunal ordered 11 gold mining companies this week to stop operations in the northwest of the country and return the land to Embera Katio tribe, which used to live in the area. The ruling rescinds any titles and concessions to the area held by companies, include London-listed AngloGold Ashanti, and local firms Exploraciones Choco Colombia, Gongora and El Molino.
With the Marikana Commission of Inquiry soon coming to an end, GREG NICOLSON asks some of the miners what their expectations are. To date, they’re not convinced much will change, if anything at all.
Alternative Information and Development Centre statement on transfer pricing in platinum sector, and Lonmin response.
The flow of water in the Black iMfolozi River has all but dried up, sparking calls for the neighbouring Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) mine to halt or reduce its water abstraction until the drought breaks. The mine, owned by Rio Tinto, recently paid a R497 000 government fine for building three new coal shafts over the past eight years without environmental authorisation.
