Responsible progress in the Andes

Insights into responsible mining practices – and irresponsible anti-mining campaigns – in Latin America, Africa and Asia

Read the Report in PDF format, large files, approximately 1.4 megabytes each.
In English
En español

Virtually everything we use we owe to mining. From homes, cars and computers to the clothes we wear and food we eat, the goods and amenities we need and enjoy are produced, powered or otherwise made possible by the raw materials that come out of holes in the ground. Mining is also a key to sustainable economies and prosperity, especially in places where agriculture, tourism and other alternative livelihoods cannot support communities. And it often brings new jobs, new investment in infrastructure, and modern practices that improve and safeguard health and the environment.

Yet today, all across the globe, nearly every proposal for a mining operation is under assault by well-financed, well-organized social and environmental activists. They claim to represent ecological values, workers and families in areas that would be affected by the operations – and to oppose only facilities that would harm human health, traditional lifestyles and pristine natural conditions.

As the attached studies demonstrate, with few exceptions, their assertions are without merit – and the activists’ actions actually harm the very people and environmental values they claim to be protecting.

The activists never attack state-owned and operated facilities, regardless of how antiquated they are, how much they pollute, how poorly they treat their workers, or how adversely they affect people’s health or environmental quality. The activists seek to raise money … gain prominence, power and control … stifle foreign investment, globalization and development … and keep communities and nations “indigenous” and “traditional.” Foreign companies are perfect targets; state owned companies are not.

Nor do the activists eschew the jobs, wealth, technologies, lifestyles and life spans that result from mining – and that their campaigns deny to others, especially in impoverished nations. Rarely do they live in (or even visit) the communities they claim to represent. Never do these unelected outsiders have to live with the consequences of the policies they promote and impose: stunted economic, environmental and healthcare progress … reduced foreign investment and job opportunities… antiquated facilities that continue to pollute, instead of being replaced by modern systems … and unremitting indigenous poverty, disease, malnutrition and childhood death.

The agitators demand “corporate social responsibility” from the companies they attack. But they refuse to accept even the most minimal standards of ethics, honesty, transparency and accountability for themselves. Even the church groups and wealthy foundations that support, and often help coordinate, the anti-mining campaigns refuse to acknowledge that their dishonest, unethical, shortsighted programs violate the values and precepts they claim to cherish. Indeed, in numerous instances, the most ethical and responsible entities are the companies and corporate executives who are being vilified.

These coordinated, orchestrated campaigns prevent families, communities and countries from benefiting from the vast wealth that lies beneath them. That potential wealth could bring jobs, improved quality of life and enhanced environmental quality today – and be invested in education, infrastructures and new industries for tomorrow. But as these reports and a forthcoming documentary film confirm – from Chile and Peru, to Romania, Ghana, Madagascar, Indonesia and elsewhere – those benefits are being denied.

We hope you will read the report, pass them on to colleagues, discuss and write about their findings and lessons – and watch the new documentary: “Mine Your Own Business.”

Paul Driessen, Congress of Racial Equality and Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise, USA

Edwar Escalante, Andes Libres, Peru

Additional authors whose works are included in the report and accompanying materials:

Patrick Moore, Greenspirit Strategies and co-founder of Greenpeace, Canada  

Phelim McAleer, Moving Picture Institute, USA

Alan Oxley, ITS Global Consultants, Australia

Jonathon Burns, investigative journalist, USA 

RETURN TO CENTER FOR THE DEFENSE OF FREE ENTERPRISE HOME PAGE