Despite Chieftain Metals’ recent non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Chinese company, Rivers Without Borders believes the Tulsequah Chief project still faces considerable financial, technical and political obstacles, including unresolved acid mine pollution, violations of agreements and at least one permit, no feasibility study, no major commitments from investors, no First Nation approval, and increasing concerns in Alaska.

MiningWatch Canada has released a report on Taseko Mines Ltd. that cautions investors about the significant risks and uncertainties that investments in the mid-tier mining company could be exposed to given the company’s continued expenditures and efforts to advance its controversial New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project.

In a joint statement released on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous peoples’ and human rights organizations are urging governments in Canada to respect the right of Indigenous peoples to determine for themselves when, and under what conditions, resource development will be carried out affecting their lands and territories.

(Ottawa) Records filed Monday confirm that four Canadian Members of Parliament and one Senator flew on Goldcorp’s tab to visit company operations in Guatemala and meet with legislators in charge of mines at the end of August.

The outgoing Charest government in Quebec received a lot of flack over the summer for offering a $58-million loan to an industry that was on its last breath — the mining and export of asbestos. (Recriminations came from international labour and health groups, editorials in most major Canadian papers, and even the Fraser Institute — see links below.) But now that the PQ will be taking over the reins in the National Assembly there may be no resuscitation for the Jeffrey Mine.

Open Letter: Canadian and US social and environmental justice organizations and networks have written to the Canadian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the Americas calling for a stop to criminalization of environmental rights advocates in Guatemala in connection with Tahoe Resources' Escobal silver mine project.

Press Release: Rather than negotiate in good faith with the collective landowners group, Ejido La Sierrita, Excellon Resources defames human rights defenders and places community at risk.

News release: Approximately 100 soldiers and officers of the Mexican Army and Federal and state police agencies used force to break through a peaceful protest in front of Excellon Resources' La Platosa mine.

News release: A leaked Goldcorp lobbyist's invitation to a Member of Parliament to join a junket to Guatemala raises questions about how the company might be trying to throw its weight around in the Central American country.

Prime Minister Harper's annual trip north has again put the northern territories in a spotlight on the national agenda (at least for this week). Consistent with other rhetoric and legislative changes from the Conservatives, the tour put a heavy emphasis on resource extraction and mining as a potential solution to northern economic and social challenges.