In the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region in northern Quebec, a historic civil society movement has sprung up in response to threats from mining. The Collectif des Pas du Lieu is encouraging residents to join collective hikes on top of Sayona Mining's controversial claims, as a way to better understand...
One Year Since Cuenca, Ecuador Voted to Protect Water Over Mining, Communities Demand Their Decision Be Respected
This week marks one year since residents of the canton of Cuenca in southern Ecuador went to the polls to defend their water and highland páramo wetlands from metal mining.
At the time, the Canadian company INV Metals was carrying out exploration activities at its Loma Larga project – a gold...
First Quantum Minerals Deal with Panama Sparks Major Environmental and Cultural Concerns
Last week, the Panamanian Campesino (small farmers) Union (UCP) and the group “Panamá Vale Más Sin Minería” (“Panama is Worth More Without Mining”) both released public statements denouncing the government of Panama for renegotiating a contract with Vancouver-based First Quantum Minerals to...
Launch of the Third Popular Initiative: No Large Scale Mining in Chubut!
The following is the translated joint statement issued by the Union of Community Assemblies of Chubut, Argentina (UACCh), launching their third popular initiative "Chubut Sin Megaminería" ("No Megamining in Chubut"). The Assemblies are collecting signatures from residents in the province in an...
Communities in Chubut, Argentina, Propose Law to Further Protect Water From Dangers of Large Scale Mining
On January 21, 2022, the Union of Community Assemblies of Chubut, Argentina (UACCh) launched its third popular initiative, "Chubut Sin Megaminería" ("No Megamining in Chubut"). The Assemblies are collecting signatures from residents in the province in an effort to present a bill which, if turned...
Global Support for a Moratorium or Ban on Deep Seabed Mining
Canadians call on the Government of Canada to join global citizens, scientists, governments, corporations, and financial institutions in supporting a moratorium or ban on deep seabed mining.
Canada’s Role in Deep Seabed Mining
Join MiningWatch Canada, Oceans North and other organizations in calling for a moratorium on deep seabed mining in international waters. Sign the parliamentary petition we have co-sponsored. Canadian mining companies are on the forefront of efforts to extend mining and its harmful impacts into the...
5 Solutions to Reduce Canada's Material Footprint
According to the OECD’s latest review (see chart), Canada ranks worst of all G7 countries in mineral efficiency, recycling and circular economy. It remains amongst the most material-intensive economies in the world. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates Canada’s domestic yearly material...
MiningWatch Canada Is Pleased to Announce the Appointment of Rodrigue Turgeon as Canada Program Co-Lead
MiningWatch Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodrigue Turgeon as Canada Program Co-Lead, starting today.
Rodrigue is a lawyer and an engaged citizen with an impressive track record of environmental advocacy and solidarity with Indigenous peoples that will greatly contribute to...
Welcoming Alexandra Kazakova, Interim Fundraising and Operations Coordinator
MiningWatch is pleased to welcome Alexandra Kazakova as Interim Fundraising and Operations Coordinator, replacing Diana Martin while she is on maternity leave. Alexandra will oversee and lead all aspects of the fundraising portfolio and plans, as well as institutional operations.
Alexandra...
Words from Affected Communities as Mining Ban is Lifted in Chubut, Argentina
A good news update on December 22, 2021: After a massive public outcry, the province of Chubut has repealed last week's 14-11 vote to allow for open-pit mining in certain areas of the province. We celebrate this impressive display of people power, while lifting up the many voices of those who have...
International Solidarity Statement with Communities and Organizations of Chubut, Argentina Affected by Mine Zoning Law
A good news update on December 22, 2021: After a massive public outcry, the province of Chubut has repealed last week's 14-11 vote to allow for open-pit mining in certain areas of the province. We celebrate this impressive display of people power, while lifting up the many voices of those who have...
The Abejas de Acteal Receive the 2021 Mariano Abarca Environmental Award
On the 12th anniversary of the murder of environmental defender Mariano Abarca, during an emotional ceremony in the sacred land of Acteal, the Abarca family presented the third Mariano Abarca Environmental Defence Award to the Civil Society Las Abejas de Acteal in recognition of their peaceful...
Comments on Nauru Ocean Resources Incorporated's Collector Test Environmental Impact Statement
MiningWatch Canada has reviewed and provided comments on Nauru Ocean Resources Incorporated (NORI)’s Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed “collector test” of seabed mining equipment. The EIS lays bare the fundamental flaw in proposed deep seabed mining – the lack of adequate information...
Marking Another Year of Community Resistance to the Escobal Mine in Mataquescuintla and San Carlos Alzatate
Nine years ago, faced with threats posed by mining operations, communities in southeastern Guatemala organized a municipal consultation in the town of Mataquescuintla. The question was simple — do residents want mining? — and the answer was clear. Over 98% of participants expressed firm opposition...
International Solidarity Statement with 2021 Mariano Abarca Environmental Defence Award Recipient La Sociedad Civil las Abejas de Acteal, Chiapas, Mexico
November 27, 2021 marks 12 years since the assassination of Mexican environmental defender Mariano Abarca. As a founding member of the Mexican Network of Mining Affected People (REMA) and community leader, Mariano actively spoke out against the social and environmental impacts of a barite mining...