In the process of globalization as it is now unfolding, the created order is treated as a commodity for exploitation with the burden most often carried by poor people and marginalized communities. The construction of big dams, roads, pipelines and other infrastructure with accompanying often-massive displacment of peoples has sparked notorious controversies in many corners of the world – from Brazil to India, and Chile to Chad – for years. Wars are fought over access to oil and natural gas.
In addition, a new round of mining concessions have been granted to international companies by poor countries desperate for the injection of new money into their sagging economies. One example among many is a gold mine in San Marcos, Guatemala - where Maryknollers have worked for many years – funded by the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank and opened over the vehement objections of local indigenous communities. The experience of other communities where gold mines are located indicates that, short of a miracle, the water and land near the mine in San Marcos will soon be contaminated with arsenic.
Links
Oil Change USA -- Learn more about the connection between oil companies and politicians, and join the movement to address the cycle of high gas prices, wars over resources and climate disasters.
Statements on mining in Guatemala
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)