Mining Issues
« Previous Entries Next Entries »Poll Shows Opposition to Pebble Mine
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009A controversial proposal to build an enormous gold and copper mine in an environmentally-sensitive region of Alaska has run into a roadblock: local opinion. A recent poll by an Anchorage-based research firm has found that 79 percent of residents in nearby communities are against the proposed Pebble Mine project. The poll should hopefully cause a [...]
The Kimberley Process Fails Badly in Zimbabwe
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009Since 2008, Zimbabwe has been a major perpetrator of grave diamond-related human rights abuses, including numerous accounts of robbery, rape, and murder. We, at Brilliant Earth, are appalled by these events, as well as the failure of the KP (KP) and the diamond industry to address these atrocities.
After months of international concern over the human [...]
Kimberley Process Reviews Angola
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009Over the past four years, Angola has avoided being scrutinized in the conflict diamond trade, but recent allegations of human rights abuses have plunged this war-torn nation back into the international spotlight.
Last month, investigators for the Kimberley Process conducted a long overdue mission to Angola, the first since 2005. The team visited northern Angola, where [...]
Zimbabwe Suspension Pending Approval
Thursday, August 6th, 2009Amid strong evidence of the Zimbabwe government and military’s direct involvement in brutal attacks on diamond miners in the country’s Marange district, a Kimberley Process delegation has at long last recommended that Zimbabwe be suspended from the scheme. For months, international human rights groups have called for Zimbabwe’s expulsion from the Kimberley Process, which is [...]
Questions Concerning Greenland Rubies
Friday, June 12th, 2009With many western countries now banning ruby imports from Myanmar due to serious social injustices, the search is on for the next best high-quality source of rubies. Greenland is a rich source of the prized red gems, and a Canadian enterprise called True North Gems is in the process of opening a large-scale mining operation [...]
Demand for Action on Nicaragua Gold Mine
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009Canadian-US mining giant, Goldcorp, plans to close its enormous San Martin gold mine in Honduras at the end of 2009. The Honduran government and numerous independent organizations are now demanding that the company take responsibility for damage the mine has caused to the environment and the health of local communities.
Diavik Mine Exceeds Standards of Community Support
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009Brilliant Earth’s environmentally and socially responsible Canadian diamonds are sourced from two specific mines in the Northwest Territory of Canada, one of which is the Diavik Mine. The Diavik Mine maintains high standards of social and environmental responsibility, and plays an impactful role in local community development of the Northwest Territory region.
Emeralds Funding Taliban Could Enter World Markets
Friday, May 8th, 2009According to reports, the Taliban has recently seized two formerly non-operational emerald mines in Pakistan. It is feared that the insurgents will use the proceeds to purchase mortars, roadside bombs and suicide belts to be unleashed toward war efforts.
Important New Film: The Money Stone
Thursday, April 16th, 2009The Money Stone is a feature-length documentary by Stuart Harmon about the lives of artisanal gold miners, or “galamseys,” in Ghana. The film is currently in the final stages of post-production, and we look forward to seeing it. It follows the lives of three young galamseys who have high hopes for their futures despite their [...]
Confrontation over Pebble Mine Project
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009Today, April 15th, a delegation of Native Alaskan and commercial fishermen will confront the mining industry giant Anglo American PLC about its proposed Pebble Mine project in Alaska. The open-pit gold and copper mine would occupy more than 30 square miles of the Bristol Bay watershed, at the headwaters of the world’s greatest Pacific Salmon [...]
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