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Mining

Alfred Buju meets miners in the DRC

Some opencast mines are so big they can be seen from outer space, and mining consumes up to ten per cent of the world’s energy, as well as often being a cause of conflict, suffering, and dangerous pollution

Three-quarters of our gold comes from developing countries - mined for jewellery, but also for aircraft engines, computers, and mobile phones. Conflict over gold has cost thousands of lives.

Alfred Buju (pictured) spent five years down a mine as a boy searching for gold - and the hardships inspired him to one day help those around him. Now, he supports our Unearth Justice campaign fighting for change.

He says: “I felt committed to work for the poor, and I understood their difficulties. Faith is a journey and you have to walk in the footsteps of those who came before you. Without sacrifice, there cannot be change."

Group of miners in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo [Richard Wainwright]

Mining and jewellery self-certification system falls short

The jewellery and mining industry trade association, the Responsible Jewellery Council, launched its certification scheme this week. In response, NGOs, technical experts and community representatives from around the world, including CAFOD, have cautioned about the limits and shortcomings of the industry-run system.

Peru: Mine protestors case dropped

A group of protestors, arrested and accused of "terrorism" after campaigning for the rights of local people to have a say over a planned mine, have finally been released

DRC: New report questions benefit of AngloGold Ashanti mine project to communities

As protracted negotiations over mining contract awards draw to a close in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a new joint report reveals the potential environmental and social impacts of a new mine on local communities.

Unearth Justice vigil in front of BHP Billiton's AGM in London, calling on the company to stop keeping communities in Macambol, Philippines, in the dark about a proposed new mine [Adrian White]

Mining giant BHP Billiton pulls out of disputed Philippine project

Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton has cut ties with a controversial nickel mining project on a Philippine island community, but CAFOD continues call for new consent process.

The San Martin mine in Honduras uses vast quantities of water, exacerbating water shortages in this drought-prone region. [Annie Bungeroth/CAFOD]

Honduras: Evidence of severe water contamination at Goldcorp mine

An investigation by CAFOD and Canada’s Development and Peace has uncovered documents showing water contamination at a Honduras mine owned by multi-million dollar mining company Goldcorp

Published on 01/05/2008, last updated on 05/11/2009

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