Mining
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."
 | Unearth Justice campaign: tough action on pollution Mining is often a cause of conflict, environmental destruction and toxic pollution. Since 2006, you have been calling on companies and governments to end this injustice, and give poor communities a greater say in whether mining is allowed, how it operates, and who benefits, as part of our Unearth Justice campaign. Find out how our actions are seeing results. |
 | Goldcorp staff face criminal charges over mine pollution after CAFOD investigation Authorities in Honduras last week filed criminal charges against senior officials of Entremares based on evidence from aid agency CAFOD of severe water contamination. Related Article: Unearth Justice Campaign: tough action on pollution>> |
![Group of miners in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo [Richard Wainwright]](/var/storage/images/get-involved/campaigning/unearth-justice/images/drc-mining/68974-2-eng-GB/drc-mining_0column75_06space_landscape.jpg) | 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. |
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We helped young indigenous people in Cambodia learn how to take photos to document their unique cultures and communicate the issues that are important to them |
 | Honduras: Holding companies to account A gold mine in Berta Estrada's back yard has endangered her water supply. A mining company, owned by Canadian multinational Goldcorp, operated what used to be the country's biggest gold mine in the Siria Valley where she lives. We believe people, like Berta, who are directly affected by the activities of companies in their local area should be able to hold them to account for their actions. |
