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 Update – Gold Mining Many of you may have seen the recent Channel 4 Dispatches programme, ‘The Real Price of Gold’, and so we wanted to update you on our work in relation to mining and how you can help. |
 | Take action now: Open up the books! On 20 February new laws are on the table to ensure companies open up their books - please help close the legal loopholes so that poor communities can benefit from the wealth beneath their feet. |
| Campaigns successes: A big thank you for everything in 2011 In a year of economic uncertainty and social change in the UK, CAFOD campaigners stood tall, calling for decision makers and those in power to fight injustice. Here are some of the highlights we enjoyed together. |
| CAFOD response to new EU country-by-country proposals Expert welcomes positive proposals, but voices concern about influence of possible industry lobbying. |
 | CAFOD calls on UK mining company to change its ways as torture case settled out of court CAFOD is continuing to press for fundamental changes in the behaviour and monitoring of extractive companies in Peru, following recent developments in the case of British mining company, Monterrico Metals. |
