Research links
Earthworks, http://www.earthworksaction.org/
Earthworks is an NGO dedicated to action around mining dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development, in the U.S. and worldwide.
Extractive Industries Review, http://www.ifc.org/eir
The EIR was a World Bank Group response to increasing criticism of the human rights, environmental and development effects of extractive industries projects supported by different parts of the Bank Group. The review lasted four years, was a highly contentious process, but ultimately led the Bank to conclude that it would continue supporting mining and hydrocarbons but monitor these initiatives more carefully for their poverty, fiscal and governance effects. The site hosts materials linked to the review.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, www.eitransparency.org
Then Prime Minister of the UK, Tony Blair announced the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg - though the initiative was actually launched in June 2003. The EITI) supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the verification and full publication of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining.
International Council on Mining and Metals, www.icmm.com
ICMM is a body bringing together most of the world’s largest mining companies, each of whom state commitment to social and environmental responsibility in mining. ICMM is a vehicle for helping them pursue this end, at the same time as making it more visible.
Mines and Communities, http://www.minesandcommunities.org/
Though growing out of the work of a few organizations, Mines and Communities is something of a networked initiative providing up to date information on mining conflicts, mining companies and a range of issues related to the sector around the world. It is regularly updated by regional editors
Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development project, http://www.iied.org/mmsd/
MMSD was a project that sought to promote the contribution of mining to sustainable development. It conducted a wide range of country and issue based studies many of which are collected together at this site. The project was jointly managed by both the International Institute for Environment and Development (an NGO) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (a business body).
No Dirty Gold, http://www.nodirtygold.org/
This is a specific, inter-NGO campaign targeted at promoting responsible production of gold through exercising pressure on producers but especially retailers of the metal. Earthworks and Oxfam America are particularly active in this campaign.
Observatory for Mining Conflicts in Latin America, http://www.conflictosmineros.net/al/html/index.php
An exhaustive site that monitors and posts information on mining conflicts within Latin America. The site is in Spanish, but for those working in the region it is a vital resource, edited from an activist perspective.
Oxfam America, http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/issues_we_work_on/oil_gas_mining
Oxfam America has been one of the earliest, most active and visible NGOs working on mining, rights and livelihood issues, attracting its fair share of attack and criticism from the industry.