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Arabica Robusta

Daily Kos: State of the Nation - 0 views

www.dailykos.com/...-The-state-of-lithium

mining latin america extractive industries lithium

shared by Arabica Robusta on 15 Jun 10 - Cached
  • Chile exports 50 percent of the world's lithium, mostly through a formerly state-owned company called SQM. The company mines lithium at the huge Atacama Salt Flat, tapping an estimated 2.5 million metric tons in lithium reserves. Julio Ponce Lerou is the son-in-law of the brutal military dictator, Augusto Pinochet, and is the man in control of formerly state-owned SQM.
  • Larou's control of Chilean lithium is a classic story of corruption common wherever privatization schemes have unfolded.
  • Unfortunately, Bolivia does not have the money to mine, refine and add value to lithium this way. Morales has stated that he is actively seeking private investment, but that Bolivia wants "partners, not bosses." This approach has scared away foreign investment, compounded by Morales' closeness to Venezuelan President and U.S. antagonist Hugo Chavez. There are also significant infrastructure problems. The Uyuni flats are remote and inaccessible by road and train, whereas the Atacama flats are very easy to reach. Bolivia has established a state-owned lithium company, and even has met local resistance. The local folk of Uyuni insist on sharing the benefits of mining. Bolivian leaders believe that increasing global demand for lithium will help trump these challenges and will allow the country to become the dominant producer.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • China is also stepping up its domestic mining and refining of lithium believing it to be the "oil" of the 21st Century. China's domestic reserves are also limited, with only 540,000 tons.
  • China continues improving warm relations with Bolivia, recently signing new trade aggrements. China is looking for Bolivian immigrants while the U.S. is cracking down on immigration. These developments are likely to impact international politics as nations scramble to secure alternatives to oil production. The global competition for resources continues unabated, whether it's petroleum or lithium at stake.
Arabica Robusta

Like Water for Gold in El Salvador | The Nation - 0 views

www.thenation.com/...water-gold-el-salvador

mining news mine gold rare miner environment earth latin america newmont social movements intervention human development rights corporate industry

shared by Arabica Robusta on 17 Jul 11 - No Cached
  • ADES (the Social and Economic Development Association), where local people talked with us late into the night about how they had come to oppose mining. ADES organizer Vidalina Morales acknowledged that “initially, we thought mining was good and it was going to help us out of poverty…through jobs and development.”
  • He talked about watching the river near his farm dry up: “This was very strange, as it had never done this before. So we walked up the river to see why…. And then I found a pump from Pacific Rim that was pumping water for exploratory wells. All of us began to wonder, if they are using this much water in the exploration stage, how much will they use if they actually start mining?”
  • Three people recounted how a Pacific Rim official boasted that cyanide was so safe that the official was willing to drink a glass of a favorite local beverage laced with the chemical. The official, we were told, backed down when community members insisted on authentication of the cyanide. “The company thought we’re just ignorant farmers with big hats who don’t know what we’re doing,” Miguel said. “But they’re the ones who are lying.”
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • As the anti-mining coalition strengthened with support from leaders in the Catholic Church, small businesses and the general public (a 2007 national poll showed that 62.4 percent opposed mining), tensions within Cabañas grew.
  • Along one wall is the Salvadoran version of the US Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in this case etched with the names of about 30,000 of the roughly 75,000 killed in the civil war. Thousands of them, including the dozens killed in the Lempa River massacre of 1981, were victims of massacres perpetrated by the US-backed—often US-trained—government forces and the death squads associated with them.
  • Anti-mining sentiment was already so strong in 2009 that both the reigning ARENA president and the successful FMLN candidate, Mauricio Funes, came out against mining during the campaign.
  • We pushed further, trying to understand how a technical analysis could decide a matter with such high stakes. On the one hand, we posed to Duarte, gold’s price has skyrocketed from less than $300 an ounce a decade ago to more than $1,500 an ounce today, increasing the temptation in a nation of deep poverty to consider mining. We quoted former Salvadoran finance minister and Pacific Rim economic adviser Manuel Hinds, who said, “Renouncing gold mining would be unjustifiable and globally unprecedented.” On the other hand, we quoted the head of the human rights group and Roundtable member FESPAD, Maria Silvia Guillen: “El Salvador is a small beach with a big river that runs through it. If the river dies, the entire country dies.”
  • While he hoped this process would produce a consensus, Duarte admitted it was more likely the government and the firm would have to lay out “the interests of the majority,” after which the two ministries would then make their policy recommendation.
  • Oscar Luna, a former law professor and fierce defender of human rights—for which he too has received death threats. We asked Luna if he agreed with allegations that the killings in Cabañas were “assassinations organized and protected by economic and social powers.” Luna replied with his own phrasing: “There is still a climate of impunity in this country that we are trying to end.” He is pressing El Salvador’s attorney general to conduct investigations into the “intellectual” authors of the killings.
  • Our interactions in Cabañas and San Salvador left us appreciative of the new democratic space that strong citizen movements and a progressive presidential victory have opened up, yet aware of the fragility and complexities that abound. The government faces an epic decision about mining, amid deep divisions and with institutions of democracy that are still quite young. As Vidalina reminded us when we parted, the “complications” are even greater than what we found in Cabañas or in San Salvador, because even if the ban’s proponents eventually win, “these decisions could still get trumped in Washington.”
  • The brief methodically lays out how Canada-headquartered Pacific Rim first incorporated in the Cayman Islands to escape taxes, then brazenly lobbied Salvadoran officials to shape policies to benefit the firm, and only after that failed, in 2007 reincorporated one of its subsidiaries in the United States to use CAFTA to sue El Salvador.
  • Dozens of human rights, environmental and fair-trade groups across North America, from U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities and the Committee in Solidarity With the People of El Salvador (CISPES) to Oxfam, Public Citizen, Mining Watch and the Institute for Policy Studies, are pressuring Pacific Rim to withdraw the case.
Arabica Robusta

Texas in Africa: enough - 0 views

texasinafrica.blogspot.com/...enough.html

congo extractive industry coltan cellphones enough corporate intervention human rights

shared by Arabica Robusta on 14 Aug 10 - Cached
  • The fact that only a small percentage of the minerals used in cell phones actually come from the DRC, that the region is largely at peace now, and that the situation defies easy solutions, if mentioned at all, is typically buried in the group's more complex reports, or brushed aside.
  • the problem arises when simplification results in distortion, which is exactly what has happened here.This is probably why, despite being able to claim support at the national level from the country's Catholic bishops and a civil society organization or two, the conflict minerals platform lacks meaningful support from most CSO's in the Kivus.
  • My fear is that, as a direct result of Enough's narrowly focused advocacy campaign, Congress will now think it has taken sufficient action to end the conflict in the eastern DRC. That couldn't be further from the truth.
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • Everybody involved in this debate wants the same thing: to end violence in the eastern Congo. I want to believe that Enough's leadership and staff began their campaign with the best of intentions. But by overstating the extent to which American consumers are actually using Congolese conflict minerals - and the extent to which it is actually possible to change the way minerals are traded there - they've given Congress, the Congolese government, and the electronics companies an easy way out. All three groups will come out looking good here, while Congolese government officials will continue to benefit from the mineral trade, electronics companies will source the tiny percentages of Congolese materials they've been using elsewhere, and Congress won't feel obligated to support meaningful security sector reform, help sort out the country's land tenure issues, or significantly fund the hundreds of Congolese civil society organizations that have been working for years to bring about meaningful change in the region.
  • Also, I think you should divorce the attack on Enough from the critique of the conflict minerals bill. It’s true that ENOUGH has engaged in some very misleading advocacy but that shouldn’t be used to detract from a bill that has quite a few merits. Enough might have spoken the loudest but they were not the only voice on this issue. Considerable reflection and solicitation of expertise went into this bill and it should be assessed based on its content, not on the advocacy tactics that Enough used to support it.
  • Any decent level of research shows that the USGS has consistently underestimated the supply of minerals from the DRC by a huge margin, for years and years.
  • The issue is not the validity of the data emanating from the USGS. Should anyone talk to the researchers at the USGS and inquire about the methodology used for arriving at their numbers, one would quickly recognize that the numbers are arbitrary at best, especially regarding African countries.
  • They have been able to present to the predominantly white American audience the misanthropic message of savage Africans raping and killing as the primary driver of the conflict. American consumers then become best placed to save and raise hope for the African brute through conscious consumerism. The savage African and white savior narrative, which Nick Kristof calls “bridge character” work without fail.
  • This narrative eschews the main external drivers of the conflict and the devastating role that US foreign policy (the same type of foreign policy that resulted in Nelson Mandela being on the US terrorist list as late as 2008) and Western corporate practices have played in not only the conflict but the maintenance of the structural barriers of dependency and impoverishment in the heart of Africa
  • backing of the invasions of Congo by the Clinton administration "renaissance leaders"
  • Nor is the 14 years of pilfering by foreign multinationals even broached while companies such as the below stand to reap billions in profits for the next generation while Congolese wallow in misery and poverty- Rangold - AngloGold Ashanti - Banro
  • Even other opponents of Enough and Global witness, in the industry are shifting the argument to the fact that there cannot be a crackdown on tantalum from the DRC as it makes up too high a percentage of world supply.
  • Arabica Robusta on 14 Aug 10
     
    The fact that only a small percentage of the minerals used in cell phones actually come from the DRC, that the region is largely at peace now, and that the situation defies easy solutions, if mentioned at all, is typically buried in the group's more complex reports, or brushed aside.
Arabica Robusta

Conflict Minerals on the Blogs: Correcting Misperceptions | Enough - 0 views

www.enoughproject.org/...logs-correcting-misperceptions

mining news mine gold miner africa rights intervention industry human extractive enough corporate congo coltan cellphones

shared by Arabica Robusta on 08 Aug 10 - No Cached
  • Some criticisms of this campaign have implied that this issue is at odds with the views of Congolese people and civil society organizations. Again, this is simply false. We tend to be skeptical of anyone who tries to speak on behalf of “the Congolese people” because Congo’s population is far too vast, diverse, and opinionated to be reduced to a talking point
  • There are numerous other pressure points that the international community should help address, from security sector reform to justice and accountability, from ensuring a more transparent process for returning refugees, to devising a more effective strategy to dismantle the FDLR and to demobilize Congo’s many militia groups. But the conflict minerals issue resonates with a potent group of actors in the United States, namely, advocates and concerned consumers who do not want their purchases to fund armed groups in Congo, a handful of dedicated members of Congress and leaders in the Obama administration who see a lasting solution to the Congo conflict as part of their personal priorities and legacies, and increasingly, leaders in the electronics industry itself, which is responding to the moral and consumer pressure to take on this issue.
  • The Security and Exchange Commission is just beginning to work out the details of how the conflict minerals law will be implemented, and industry groups are lobbying hard to see that the SEC regulations carry as little weight as possible, by narrowly defining, for instance, which companies have to report on their activities in eastern Congo.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • Of course, in the short-term, some companies will choose to pull their business out of Congo altogether. This is not our objective, but it is a serious issue. Miners will lose jobs, and the main risk is that ex-combatants will rejoin militias. Here’s where we get back to the point that addressing conflict minerals trade has to be part of a much broader strategy, one that will span many years and focus on spurring broad economic recovery, promoting good governance and cracking down on corruption, and revitalizing peacebuilding efforts. In particular, companies that have long benefited from Congo’s cheap mineral trade should work with donors to create a fund dedicated to supporting alternative livelihoods for miners
  • Addressing the minerals trade is particularly important because until recently it was neglected, disregarded by diplomats and policymakers in negotiations and peace talks. Also, international advocacy on conflict minerals can be more effective than on other issues in the conflict, because of the international dimension of the trade.
Andrew Dal

With Building Materials UK Adding a Bedroom was a Breeze - 0 views

My parents are coming and have plans in living for good here at London. My house is out of bedrooms so I made up my mind and planned to convert my garage into a bedroom. That way, my parents will h...

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started by Andrew Dal on 07 Mar 11 no follow-up yet
Steven O'Sullivan

Kenyan Mob Kills Renowned Geologist Over National Park Dispute - 0 views

www.miningne.ws/...ampbell-bridges-slain-in-kenya

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shared by Steven O'Sullivan on 13 Aug 09 - Cached
  • Steven O'Sullivan on 13 Aug 09
     
    A Kenyan mob armed with clubs, spears and bows and arrows killed a prominent Scottish gemstone expert during a dispute over mining in a national park, police...
Super Property

Preparing For A Bright Future - 1 views

I have always wanted to enjoy my retirement years, so I invested a good amount to buy a super property with the help of Super Investment Ideas. They thoroughly discussed all important matters with ...

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Building Inspectors Adelaide

Building Inspections For Cautious Home Buyers - 1 views

I have a friend who bought a house without getting it properly checked. It was a really good looking house in a friendly neighbourhood. My friend checked the house himself, and nothing struck him a...

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Buy Salvage Vehicles

A Perfect Birthday Gift For My Husband - 1 views

My husband has always dreamed of driving his own sports car, but since we have three children who are all in college, such a dream cannot be realized yet. So I have thought of joining in a salvage ...

started by Buy Salvage Vehicles on 20 Sep 12 no follow-up yet
Andrew Dal

Armstrong Ceiling for my Kitchen - 1 views

I am looking for a suspended ceiling for my kitchen. Since the kitchen is always prone to oil and moisture, I wanted to have a kitchen ceiling that is easy to clean. At Building Materials UK they o...

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started by Andrew Dal on 28 Feb 11 no follow-up yet
Sheridan Grey

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I am always been a huge fan of this gemstone. Not to mention that I collect quite a number of this jade jewelries. I am not just amazed by how much this gemstone has affected the magnificent Chines...

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started by Sheridan Grey on 02 Nov 11 no follow-up yet
Camiguin Island

Perfect Accommodation In A Perfect Place - 1 views

Since I was a kid, I have always been intrigued by the beauty and prestige of Camiguin Island. That's why I was so excited when I finally got the chance to see the place last week during our family...

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Vicky Matthews

Super Services and Customer Care - 1 views

Building a home is truly a very daunting process. One of the processes we need to go through is the soil testing. It is not only a requirement in getting a building approval but it can also greatly...

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kefid lss

Stone Crusher Provided by China Stone Crusher Manufacturer - 0 views

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shared by kefid lss on 31 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • kefid lss on 31 Aug 12
     
    "A stone crusher is actually a machine designed to break large rocks into a far more manageable size. They're able to be used with any rock located in nature, or with man-made supplies like reclaimed concrete."
Sheridan Grey

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started by Sheridan Grey on 11 Nov 11 no follow-up yet
Emily Winter

Losing Weight Through Professional Help - 1 views

It is not easy being an obese because you always become the subject of ridicule. It is for this reason that I really exerted enough efforts going to the gym in order to lose weight. Yet, I did not ...

started by Emily Winter on 26 Sep 12 no follow-up yet
Andrew Dal

Plasterboard Ceiling System for Sturdier Roofing - 1 views

I am planning to have my ceiling renovated because some of the tiles are broken. A friend of mine recommended Building Materials UK where I can purchase high quality plasterboard ceiling system and...

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started by Andrew Dal on 06 Jan 11 no follow-up yet
debt collectors

Outstanding Complete Credit Management Solution - 1 views

I am the owner of a small lending company in Australia. My problems are usually getting my clients to pay their due debts. Sometimes, I could not go to their place to ask for their payments because...

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started by debt collectors on 25 Oct 11 no follow-up yet
Kevian Croahner

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shared by Kevian Croahner on 01 Feb 16 - No Cached
  • Kevian Croahner on 01 Feb 16
     
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News Era

She's here to spin a yarn! | News Era - 0 views

newsera.net/shes-here-to-spin-a-yarn.php

: Bangalore Week 2013 Blenders Pride Contemporary fashion designer India Mumbai New Delhi Rina Dhaka She's here to spin a yarn! Western designs

shared by News Era on 26 Jan 13 - No Cached
  • News Era on 26 Jan 13
     
    She's here to spin a yarn! As a designer, Rina Dhaka is as wounderful as her clothes are zazzy. She will be taking part at the Blenders Pride Bangalore Fashion Week 2013 on Sunday has us excited. "I have for many seasons wanted to do it, foremost because I love the city of Bangalore," is how Rina Dhaka declare chat with After Hrs.
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