abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Article

16 Apr 2014

Author:
Joe Kirschke, Engineering & Mining Journal

Elemental Human Rights and Sierra Leone’s Iron Ore

In...2012...Sierra Leone...witnessed a confrontation between police and workers...at a project owned by...African Minerals Ltd. (AML)... [P]olice unleashed...live ammunition...killing a female contractor while wounding eight...such episodes have haunted mining for generations...Consequently, environmental concerns...are taking a back seat to human rights issues...AML...is hardly alone..AML differs, however, in its ongoing...rapport with...Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigators...[T]the primary triggers of violence..[have] been workplace discontent...managerial racism and abuse coupled with restrictions...[on] union formation...Mine-area displacement...is equally challenging. “Investors...exploit land title and corruption,” writes Peligal [Human Rights Watch Deputy Africa Director Rona Peligal]...[leading to] rights abuses...[P]rotecting the rights of Sierra Leonians is not an option, but a legal obligation... “This has been a steep learning curve...” former Global Head of Sustainable Development Graham Foyle-Twining conceded...[also refers to Barrick Gold, BHP Billiton, Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, and Lonmin]

Timeline

Privacy information

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies. You can set your privacy choices below. Changes will take effect immediately.

For more information on our use of web storage, please refer to our Data Usage and Cookies Policy

Strictly necessary storage

ON
OFF

Necessary storage enables core site functionality. This site cannot function without it, so it can only be disabled by changing settings in your browser.

Analytics cookie

ON
OFF

When you access our website we use Google Analytics to collect information on your visit. Accepting this cookie will allow us to understand more details about your journey, and improve how we surface information. All analytics information is anonymous and we do not use it to identify you. Google provides a Google Analytics opt-out add on for all popular browsers.

Promotional cookies

ON
OFF

We share news and updates on business and human rights through third party platforms, including social media and search engines. These cookies help us to understand the performance of these promotions.

Your privacy choices for this site

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies to enhance your experience beyond necessary core functionality.