Sector - Extractives

Press Responses: July 9, 2008

World Bank’s CSR Praise Met with Cynicism in Light of Gov’t Stalling Letter to the Editor - Embassy, July 9, 2008

Acquittal of Congolese Soldiers and Canadian Mining Employee in War Crimes Trial Criticized - July 20, 2007

This statement from Congolese and international NGOs brings attention to the trial and acquittal of nine Congolese soldiers for war crimes, and three employees of Anvil Mining for complicity in war crimes in relation to the deaths of at least 73 civilians in Kilwa, DRC in October 2004. It was the first time in the DRC that foreign employees of a multinational company – including one Canadian – have been charged with complicity in war crimes. Citing obstructions, irregularities, and political interference, NGO observers claim the trial failed to conform to international legal standards. Included is a link to the full report.

Press Responses: June 20, 2007

Karyn Keenan, of the Halifax Initiative, was featured on Avi Lewis' "On the Map" on June 20 talking about the National Roundtables on Extractive Industries. The focus was on a controversial mining project in Guatemala being operated by Skye Resources.
Focus on Skye Resources

Focus on the National Roundtables

Response from EDC - September 10, 2007

This letter responds to concerns about EDC's potential support the Tenek Fungurume mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Press Responses: October 12, 2006

Mining controversies fly under the radar

Press Responses: June 30, 2006

Canadian Mining Operations Stir Controversy Abroad -
Company plans relocation of glaciers in South America

Letter to World Bank EDs on the Marlin Mine - June 12, 2006

Eight months after the release of a damning report by the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the internal auditor of the World Bank's private sector lending arm, about the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) involvement in Glamis Gold's Marlin mine in Guatemala, the CAO has elected to drop the case. The May 2006 Report concludes that dialogue is currently unadvisable and announces that it will close the Marlin complaint. This letter is a response to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman follow-up report issued by four groups who have been monitoring issues related to the mine, and who went to Sipacapa in February 2006.

Issue Brief: World Bank Extractive Industries Review - June 2006

In preparation for the 2006 National Roundtables on Corporate Social Responsibility and Extractives in Developing Countries, the Halifax Initiative has prepared this issue brief backgrounder, "World Bank Extractive Industries Review - Lessons Learned (and promptly ignored)"

Press Release: June 12, 2006

National Debate Opens on Human Rights and Environmental Standards for Mining and Energy Companies.

Download media briefing note

Press Responses: June 8, 2006

We're selling out the poor by not holding Canuck biz to higher eco standards abroad - "There's Gold in Them Glaciers - WIll Nothing Stop Canuch Mining Disasters Abroad?" NOW Magazine, by Jorge Fernando Garreton.

Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources - April 28, 2006

This letter expresses grave concern about the activities of Canadian mining company Metallica Resources Inc, and the negative impact these activities are having on the rights and safety of the historic community of Cerro de San Pedro, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. It requests that the Canadian Ambassador travel immediately to Cerro de San Pedro to investigate how Metallica continues to operate in direct contravention of Mexican law. (April 28, 2006)

Press Release - Thursday October 13, 2005

Prominent Canadians, in a letter to the Prime Minister today, called on the government to put a stop to human rights and environmental abuses by Canadian companies overseas.

Letter to Prime Minister Martin, re Mining and Human Rights - October 13, 2005

We are writing to support the development of new legal and policy tools that would help ensure Canadian companies adhere to international human rights and environmental obligations when they operate overseas.

CAO - Review of Marlin Mine - August, 22, 2005

Internal Review Slams World Bank over Lapses at Guatemala Mine - Backgrounder

The Divisive Demonstration Impact of the Marlin Mine - June 2005

Glamis Gold's Marlin Mine in Guatemala represents the "Company's most important gold asset," and the World Bank's hopes for a poster-child that would set a new standard for "sustainable mining." Yet before operations have even begun, the controversial projecthas become a focal point for protest and has consolidated opposition to mining in the country.

Letter to EDC Acting President re INCO - October 20, 2004

This letter asks whether EDC is providing financing for INCO's troubled Goro mine in New Caledonia, and offers new evidence about the project including possible asbestos-related problems.

Press Responses: Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Environmentalists, residents line up against Gabriel's Transylvania project. $500M mine in Romania would render mountains, impoverished town, an open pit.

Call to adopt the World Bank's own recommendations for extractive industries (March 2004)

A letter signed by representatives of over 120 Canadian NGOs calls on Finance Minister Goodale to insist on the adoption of the recommendations of the World Bank’s Extractive Industries Review – March 15, 2004

Action Alert Archives: April 12 - April 26, 2004

Tell Canadian Noranda Inc. CEO, Derek Pannell that you want the company to SAVE Patagonia and CAN its aluminum smelter project!! Send him a virtual 'can' with your e-petition...(En español) Final sign-on letter with 700+ signatures.

Press Release : August 6th, 2003

Papua New Guinea Landowners say enough is enough

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