Villagers staged a blockade after Canadian mining company Baru Gold's subsidiary, PT Tambang Mas Sangihe, brought mining equipment to Sangihe Island. The companies' action allegedly ignored a court decision that overturned an environmental permit that is necessary for the companies' continued operations in Sangihe.

Further, in a letter to Baru Gold, Mining Watch Canada alleged that “local communities were not, or inadequately, consulted” on the company’s mining operations in the area.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Baru Gold to respond to the allegations. Baru Gold did not respond.