A two-month state of emergency is in effect in northern Peru following violent protests over a gold mine project that critics fear will taint and diminish water supplies. The emergency declaration restricts certain civil liberties such as the freedom of assembly and allows arrests without warrants in four provinces of Cajamarca state that have seen […]
$69,000 Dividend for Workers at South Africa Mining Firm
Posted November 30th, 2011 at 8:45 am (UTC-5)
Employees at a South African mining firm will get payouts of up to $69,000 each — before taxes — as part of a plan meant to empower average workers. Kumba Iron Ore, a unit of mining giant Anglo American, says the payouts stem from the company’s Envision Scheme, which gives dividends to workers below the […]
Afghanistan Awards Iron Mining Rights to Indian Firm
Posted November 28th, 2011 at 11:45 am (UTC-5)
The Afghan government has awarded iron ore mining rights to an Indian-government backed consortium. Mines officials say four blocks at Hajigak, the country’s largest iron deposit, were awarded to a group led by the Steel Authority of India. A fourth block at the deposit was awarded to Canada’s Kilo Goldmines Limited. The Hajigak iron ore […]
Zimbabwean Official: No Cancellation of Mining Licenses
Posted September 15th, 2011 at 9:18 am (UTC-5)
A Zimbabwean official says the government does not intend to cancel mining licenses, a move that was threatened to firms that did not give a majority stake to black Zimbabweans. Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu told an industry forum that negotiations are underway with some mining firms, but no licenses have been canceled. Zimbabwe’s minister […]
Projected Philippine Mining Boom Upsets Indiginous Groups
Posted September 15th, 2011 at 4:07 am (UTC-5)
Philippines officials project that mining companies will pump almost $15 billion into the country’s hard-pressed economy over the next few years, but not everyone is pleased. Leftist and indigenous groups protested with placards outside a mining conference in Manila Thursday, complaining that many will be marginalized by the rapid increase in mining activity. Activist Rene […]
India’s Supreme Court Partially Lifts Mining Ban
Posted August 5th, 2011 at 12:15 pm (UTC-5)
India’s Supreme Court has partially lifted a ban on the mining of iron ore in the southern state of Karnataka. Last week, the court ordered a halt to all mining in the Bellary district, where roughly 80 percent of the state’s iron ore is produced, citing concerns about environmental degradation. On Friday, the court said […]
Indian State Minister Resigns Over Illegal Mining Scandal
Posted July 31st, 2011 at 9:35 am (UTC-5)
The top political leader of a key southern Indian state ruled by the country’s main opposition party has resigned after an anti-corruption panel indicted him in a $3.6 billion illegal mining scam. B.S. Yeddyurappa, a popular leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, stepped down Sunday after he lost the support of party leaders. […]
India’s Supreme Court Bans Iron Ore Mining After Corruption Scandal
Posted July 29th, 2011 at 1:15 pm (UTC-5)
India’s Supreme Court has banned iron ore mining in a key area of southern Karnataka state due to concerns about damage to the environment. The order to halt all mining in the Bellary district came Friday, a day after the state’s chief minister agreed to quit after being implicated in a $3.6 million illegal mining […]
US, Asian Firms to Develop Massive Mongolian Coal Field
Posted July 5th, 2011 at 5:15 am (UTC-5)
Companies from China, Russia and the United States have emerged as the big winners in the competition to develop one of the world’s biggest deposits of coking coal, used for steel-making. Mongolian officials Tuesday announced their decision, which will be submitted to parliament for approval on Wednesday. The companies and consortiums, which include Japanese and […]
US Extends Ban on New Mining Near Grand Canyon
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 6:55 pm (UTC-5)
The Obama administration has extended a temporary halt on new uranium mining near the Grand Canyon as it eyes a possible 20-year ban. Speaking from the rim of the canyon, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Monday that wisdom, caution, and science are needed when protecting the area. Salazar noted that more than four-million people […]
