So, BHP Billiton, the world’s mining industry numero uno; whose CEO receives an annual salary and benefits package that could feed all residents of Macambol for many, many years; has given up its stake at the Pujada Nickel Project in Macambol, Mati, Davao Oriental. The formidable “enemy of the people” of Macambol is finally moving [...]
Posts Tagged as ‘mining’
November 25, 2009
Honduras: Vision of hope for climate justice
In December, when world leaders meet in Copenhagen for crucial climate change talks, they will be discussing an issue on which the future of my country – and of humanity – depends. The mountainous landscape of Honduras makes us extremely vulnerable to extremes of climate. We only have two seasons, the rainy season and the dry [...]
September 21, 2009
Zambia: G20, we need new economic order
In August, Zambia experienced a month-long strike from teachers and health workers. The main contention by health workers was the salary package and working conditions. Government was not prepared to go beyond a 15 per cent increment, while civil servants wanted a 25 per cent increment and improvement in allowances.
July 19, 2009
Zambia: What jobs? In whose hands?
I have now visited several ex-miners and their families all hit by job losses. The thread of experiences is clear. Mining has at some points provided jobs, a local economy, public services and importantly hope. But when the sector is hit, the people who live around the mines are hit hardest.
July 15, 2009
Zambia: No safety net for miners
“We used to be free to enjoy our days,” says Patrick, “but then I was pruned”. ‘Pruned’ is the eloquent expression people use in Zambia to describe being laid off. But being trimmed to flourish for the next season is not a good way of describing what’s happened to ex-miners like Patrick.
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