The Andes
Colombia: protests against illegal mining in Cauca
Hundreds of indigenous and Afro-Colombian protesters in Colombia's Cauca region marched cross-country against illegal gold mining—despite paramilitary threats.
Tag: informal mining
The Amazon
Andes: repression ahead of Lima climate summit
The slaying of an indigenous leader who planned to travel from Ecuador to denounce a mining project before the Lima climate summit is the latest attack on regional ecological defenders.
Afghanistan
Afghan mining law to ‘strengthen armed groups’?
Afghanistan's new mining law is intended to boost foreign investment, but critics charge lack of transparency will allow mafias and armed gangs to control the nascent industry.
The Amazon
Gunmen threaten to assassinate Yanomami leader
Davi Kopenawa, shaman and internationally renowned spokesman for Brazil's Yanomami people, has demanded urgent police protection following a series of death threats.
The Amazon
Venezuela: Amazon indigenous protest mining law
Venezuela's Coordinating Body of Indigenous Organizations of Amazonas (COIAM) issued a statement rejecting a government decree to expand mining in the rainforest region.
Mexico
Mexico: more narco-mineral exports seized
Mexican authorities seized a ship carrying 68,000 tons of illegal iron ore bound for China—hailed as the latest blow against the drug cartels' contraband mineral sideline.
The Andes
May Day mining disaster in Colombia
An unknown number of miners—perhaps as many as 40—were buried alive as an illegal gold mine collapsed at El Palmar, in Colombia's southern region of Cauca.
The Andes
Bolivia: three dead in miners’ protests
Three were killed as thousands of independent miners blocked highways across Bolivia to protest a pending law that would impose restrictions on their cooperatives.
The Andes
Peru: artisanal miners block highways again
Informal miners have for days been blocking the Pan-American Highway on Peru's coast to protest the end of the "formalization" process for titling their claims.
Mexico
Michoacán crackdown on narco-mineral nexus
Mexican authorities seized 119,000 tons of iron ore at Michoacán's Pacific seaport of Lázaro Cardenas, following tips about drug cartels exporting black-market ore to China.
Central Asia
Mongolia: ecologist gets 21 years for ‘terrorism’
Mongolian ecology activist Tsetsegee Munkhbayar was sentenced to 21 years in prison for "acts of terrorism" after his arrest at a protest against uranium mining.
Africa
French troops to Central African Republic
France is escalating its military mission in the Central African Republic, airlifting troops and equipment to the capital Bangui ahead of an anticipated UN-backed intervention.