A Malagasy farmer who says he and his neighbours have lost access to their land because of the UK mining company Rio Tinto has been blocked from visiting London, where he had been due to address the firm’s annual general meeting. Athanase Monja…was refused a visa by the Home Office…[and] told by British officials he had a “lack of qualification” to speak about environmental and human rights concerns. Monja wanted to highlight the impact of the Rio Tinto mine owned and operated by QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM)…The mine was billed as a future model for responsible mining, but campaigners say it has had a devastating impact on the environment and community. QMM…uses a controversial biodiversity offsetting scheme that pledges to counteract environmental damage by protecting other areas. Researchers have questioned the effectiveness of QMM’s offsetting scheme, while a report by Re:Common suggested there was a lack of prior, informed consent from local people about the program…Rio Tinto said in a statement that it welcomes attendance by all interested parties at its annual general meetings…A Home Office spokesperson said: “All UK visa applications are considered on their individual merits and the onus is on the applicant to submit the evidence required…