Click here to see the Portuguese version of this page.

In May 2013, Human Rights Watch (HRW) launched the report “What is a House without Food?’ Mozambique’s Coal Mining Boom and Resettlements” (click here for the Portuguese version), which examines the human rights impacts and abuses of the recent mining boom in Mozambique.

HRW interviewed several communities affected by resettlements conducted by mining companies, and also had meetings with the government, NGOs and companies to discuss the impacts.

The report highlights abuses and negative impacts on the standards of living, including rights to food, water, and work of resettled communities. In addition, it includes recommendations to the Mozambican Government and to mining companies to remedy and prevent human rights abuses.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited the companies mentioned in the HRW report to respond.  We also invited Vale to respond to this article: "Vale é acusada de violar direitos humanos na África" (O Estado de S.Paulo online, 24 de maio de 2013), Rio Tinto to respond to this article: "Mozambique residents 'hurt by' Rio Tinto and Vale mines" (BBC News Africa, 23 May 2013) and Jindal to respond to this article: "Indian mining firms face human rights issues in Mozambique" (Deccan Herald, 24 May 2013). 

Company responses 

[PDF] Rio Tinto response (English & Portuguese) 

[PDF] Vale response (English & Portuguese)

[PDF] Jindal response (English & Portuguese)

Minas de Revuboè did not respond 

Mozambi Coal did not respond