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Article

31 Mar 2015

Author:
T. Steinweg, I.D.J. Römgens, Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) (Netherlands)

Sierra Leone: Allegations of grave human rights abuses directed at African Minerals

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'Bankruptcy of controversial mining company leaves communities in Sierra Leone at risk', 1 Apr 2015:This research report focuses on…African Minerals…min[ing operations] in Sierra Leone. African Minerals…has faced accusations of grave human rights abuses…[affecting] workers, local communities and the environment…[T]he adverse impacts are linked to specific corporate strategies and the global iron ore market…African Minerals…shareholders…include…Shandong Iron and Steel Group (SISG)…[which] took full control…after African Minerals defaulted on its loans to SISG…The development and exploitation of the Tonkolili mine by African Minerals required the relocation of three communities…which were home to hundreds of families…Local livelihoods…[were] severely impacted through insufficient compensation and the diminishing availability of food and access to water. In addition…a number of labour issues also arose… [including] protests…the death of an…employee…poor working conditions [etc.]…[A]…report of the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission showed that unaddressed workers’ issues remained a structural problem. It is...unclear whether African Minerals…will uphold…agreements made with workers and communities…[which] does not bode well for the future...