Central America
Guatemala: emergency over mining protests
Guatemala’s government declared a state of emergency in four municipalities in the eastern highlands following clashes between police and anti-mining protesters.
Tag: mining
South Asia
India: victory for tribal people in mining struggle
In a landmark ruling, India’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal to allow Vedanta Resources to mine the Niyamgiri hills of Orissa state, recognizing the rights of the local tribal people.
The Andes
Peru: clash at Conga mine site
Campesino protesters at the site of the Conga mining project in Peru’s Cajamarca region stormed police lines, putting pipes and other equipment to the torch.
The Andes
Ecuador: protests mount over mining, oil
Protesters crashed the opening of the Expominas trade fair at the Quito Exhibition Center, where Ecuador's government sought to win new investors for the mineral and oil sectors.
Inner Asia
China: Mongol herders’ protest march blocked
Police in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region blocked an attempted cross-country march by traditional Mongol herders, with police assaulting hundreds in two incidents.
Inner Asia
Tibet mine disaster exposes internal colonialism
As rescuers struggle to reach workers trapped by a landslide at a Tibetan gold mine, China’s authorities “scrubbed” microblog comments on the costs of breakneck mineral exploitation.
The Andes
Peru: radio station closed in conflicted Espinar
Radio Espinar, the local transmitter in Espinar province of Peru’s Cuzco region, charges that its license was revoked as retaliation for its coverage of anti-mining protests.
The Andes
Peru: new anti-mining struggle in Cajamarca
National Police troops attacked hundreds of campesinos in Peru’s northern Cajamarca region in a protest against the mineral operations of Canadian-owned Sulliden Gold Corporation.
The Andes
Ecuador: campesinos march on World Water Day
World Water Day marches in Ecuador ironically coincided with the start of a brief jail sentence for three campesino leaders in Cuenca, convicted in a protest over water rights.
North Africa
Strike at Chinese uranium mine in Niger
Workers went on a 72-hour strike at the Chinese-owned Somina uranium mine in northern Niger, demanding better wages and the release of unpaid bonuses.
Mexico
Narco-coal: Zetas diversify portfolio
Authorities in Mexico's coal-producing northern state of Coahuila say that the notorios Zetas, bloodiest of the country's warring cartels, have taken over much of the mining industry.
Planet Watch
Arctic Great Game in Alaska missile deployment?
As the Pentagon adds 14 interceptors to its anti-missile system in Alaska, some observers see a design on Arctic resources also sought by competitors Russia and China.