Violent Evictions at El Estor, Guatemala

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On January 8th and 9th, 2007, hundreds of police and soldiers in Guatemala forcibly evicted the inhabitants of several communities who were living on lands that a Guatemalan military government had granted to Canadian mining company INCO in 1965. Local indigenous people claim the land to be theirs, and resent the exploitation of a foreign corporation. Canada's Skye Resources now lays claim to the land, and paid workers a nominal sum to destroy people's homes.

The Mining Controversy: An Awareness and Education Kit for Ontario Grade 7

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(Revised November 2006.) Investigating mining as it relates to aspects of the economy, the environment, and communities; a cross-curricular programme relating Reading, Geography, and Science, this package contains everything needed to deliver an effective, skill-based unit. Prepared by Beth Nicol and Marilyn Crawford. Available as a PDF file (2.3 MB) (58 pages). Published by the Canary Research Institute of Mining, Environment and Health.

Community Centred Health Research and Impacts of Mining on Women in Labrador West (Wabush/Labrador City)

Submitted by Jamie on
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In 2004, MiningWatch Canada partnered with two women’s groups in the remote mining communities of Wabush and Labrador City (together known as Lab West) to consider the health implications of living in a mining town for community women. The Labrador West Status of Women Council and the Femmes francophones de l’Ouest du Labrador were interested in a community-centred participatory approach to better understand, document and communicate the health concerns of women in Labrador West. 

Mining Industry Criticism of "Looking Beneath the Surface: An Assessment of the Value of Public Support for the Metal Mining Industry in Canada" — A Response from the Authors

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We have been disappointed, but not surprised, at the tone of some of the mining industry's responses to our report, Looking Beneath the Surface: An Assessment of the Value of Public Support for the Metal Mining Industry in Canada. The study, released in October 2002, examined the subsidization of the metal mining industry by Canadian governments, and the industry's contribution to the Canadian economy over the past decade.

Focus Terms

Canada's mining industry strikes gold - in the taxpayers' wallet: Federal taxpayers spend $13,000 for each mining job

The cost to federal taxpayers for the care and feeding of the metal mining industry has increased to $383 million a year, while the industry is delivering in return fewer jobs and reduced economic activity, according to a new report released today by MiningWatch Canada and the Pembina Institute.

"The richest vein of gold the Canadian mining industry has ever tapped was the one they discovered in the taxpayer's arm," said Joan Kuyek, National Co-ordinator of MiningWatch Canada.

Key Issues

Activist Workshop on Canadian Mining Coming Soon: October 4-6

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On October 4-6 of this year, MiningWatch will hold an Activist Workshop on Canadian Mining in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This will be a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the network of activists around mining issues in Canada. The workshop will focus on the full costs of mining, perverse subsidies given to mining companies, unlimited access to land ("free entry"), exploration, and diamond mining.

Focus Terms

Communications Update - Newsletter #1

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Response to Comprehensive Study Report - Diavik Diamond Project

Submitted by Jamie on
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July 20, 1999

The Honorable Christine Stewart
Minister of the Environment
28th Floor, 10 Wellington Street
Hull, Quebec K1A OH3

Dear Madame Minister:

Re: Comprehensive Study Review, Diavik Diamonds Project

Attached is a submission from MiningWatch Canada, which represents our considered response to the Comprehensive Study Review. In our opinion, the Study is incomplete, biased toward the proponent and fails in its duty to protect the environment, and further, fails in its fiduciary responsibility to First Nations.

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