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."
 | Peru: Thousands march to protect water Thousands of worried Peruvians have walked 870 kilometres to protest about how government and mining companies have neglected the quality of their water supplies. |
 | Open up the books: Keep up the pressure for robust transparency laws Over 900 of you emailed UK government ministers, telling them why you think it’s important that businesses open up their books, before a crucial EU meeting on 20 February. What happened at the meeting? Why do we still need to keep up the pressure? |
 | 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. |
| Love truth: open up the books on mineral extraction On 13 February, CAFOD and other members of the Publish What You Pay coalition called on businesses to 'love truth' and to open up the books as part of a global day of action. |
| Fairtrade Gold – a glimmer of hope? The Fairtrade foundation is launching its new Fairtrade campaign |
