FAIR JEWELRY ACTION NEWS ROUND UP
Introduction: Here are some of the notable stories from around the world that have come across my desk over the last few weeks… Marc Choyt, FJA USA
ZIMBABWE AND KIMBERLEY UPDATE
This article from the Zimbabwe Independent from May 10th states, “PRESSURE is mounting on Kimberly Process (KP) members opposed to a proposed redefinition of what constitutes conflict diamonds after the World Diamond Council (WDC) this week reaffirmed its support for the move.”
This move to change the definition of conflict free was shot down by shot down in October Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe India, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. The problem is that there are different value systems operating here and there always will be, which makes reforming KP increasingly futile.
Environment Law Association (Zela) head of research Shamiso Mtisi, states, “We still have instances where diamonds are coming from areas where soldiers, police or private security guards are beating up people…”
What is also particularly interesting in this post are the comments. The formidable Sean Clinton, a one man force in attempting to label Israel diamonds as blood diamonds debates his view with several others.
BLOOD DIAMONDS FROM THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Blood diamonds from the Central African Republic can no longer be ignored, even though the government insists it still wants to be in full compliance with KP. “Conflict Diamonds Are A Rebels Best Friend” according to this recent feature which appeared in several news outlets.
Quoting from the article: “Rebels have for several years controlled some of the diamond-producing areas in the north, but with the overthrow of President Francois Bozize in March the Seleka rebel coalition now is the government, posing one of the greatest challenges in years to international efforts to stem the trade of “blood diamonds.”
BARRACK GOLD TELLS RAPE VICTUMS NEVER TO SUE THEIR COMPANY
Mining Watch Canada reports on April 24, 2013, that, “Barrick Gold has finally acknowledged that the security guards at its Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) mine in Papua New Guinea have been raping local indigenous women for years…. However, in return for individual benefit packages the women must agree to never to sue the company.”
Barrack seeks immunity from rape victims as part of its “settlement.” Meanwhile, the National Business Review of New Zealand reports the New Zealand Superannuation Fund has sold the $1.8 million of Barrick Gold shares and $78,824 shares of African Barrick Gold shares from its global equity portfolio.
THE EPA RELEASES ITS REPORT ON BRISTOL BAY
The EPA has released a new report on Bristol Bay. Earthworks has publicized key findings: the mine will eliminate or block 90 miles of streams, destroy 4800 acres of wetlands and harm 34 miles of steams from reduced flow. You can support their action here.
BAD NEWS FROM GREENLAND
We have been following Greenland issues for several years. Multinationals are flooding into the country to exploit the resources now exposed due to global warming.
Whether this investment would provide significant benefit to the local economy is an another question, as explored in this piece from the Epoch Times. “The Chinese would finance this $2.3 billion project, which could be ready in 2015 with huge infrastructure investments, including a harbor, airport and roads, and (according to London Mining), turn a profit by 2019.”
The government of Greenland and Denmark are planning to life their ban on uranium mining. A recent press release reports, “Forty eight NGOs from all over the world call on the Governments of Greenland and Denmark to continue the uranium zero tolerance policy in the Danish realm.
IN PERU, INDIGENOUS RIGHTS ARE ROLLED BACK FOR MINING COMPANIES
Finally, indigenous people are losing more rights to control their lands in Peru. Reuters reports: “Peru’s mining minister is winning a crucial cabinet battle by swaying President Ollanta Humala to water down a law that gives indigenous groups more say over new mines and oil projects – and a deputy minister will likely resign in protest.”
