Revenues of –
mostly international – mining companies often do not benefit the local
communities. Local organisations tend to lack accurate information
on the activities of mining companies that operate in their area. Understanding
of international regulations and the structure of international companies is poor.
Local organisations do not play a part in policy-making on a regional, national
or local level.
SOMO supports
organisations that work towards sustainable development. Extraction should not
harm the environment, the local population should be involved in
decision-making processes, revenues should benefit local communities and
companies must observe international and national regulations concerning
workers´, environmental and human rights.
Future research will focus on out-sourcing, supply chains and capacity
building of local organisations in Southern Africa.
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Extractives News
12-07-2011
Uranium exploitation leads to large-scale radiological and toxic contamination around many mining sites in Africa. Multinational mining companies remain largely unregulated and unaccountable, public participation in decision making regarding uranium mining is minimal, and long-term effects are insufficiently addressed.
24-06-2011
On 26 May, SOMO organised a Roundtable in the European Parliament, together with Judith Sargentini (Member of European Parliament, GroenLinks). This well attended meeting focused on conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This Roundtable focused on two objectives: urging the European commission to develop legislation in the matter, and offering a platform for Congolese NGOs. The meeting was a success, but the road to actual legislation is still a long one. But doing nothing is not an option, according to Judith Sargentini.
05-05-2011
On May 26th, SOMO, on behalf of the makeITfair campaign, and Judith Sargentini, Member of European Parliament for the Greens/European Free Alliance, are organising a roundtable on the issue of conflict minerals from the DRC. The aim of this roundtable is to share input with regard to possible new EU regulations concerning the issue of conflict minerals from the DRC.
21-03-2011
The supply chain of the electric car battery is faced with serious sustainability challenges. This is the conclusion of the SOMO report “The electric car battery; sustainability in the supply chain”, published today. The expected profits from lithium, one of the basic materials for the electric car battery, already create social tensions in Bolivia, while workers rights are violated at battery manufacturing plants in China. These issues need to be taken into account when companies and politicians discuss the costs and benefits of the electric car.
