A look at the Human Rights question in regards to Dirty Gold
There are a lot of reasons to be concerned about gold mining. Gold operations often come into communities uninvited and leave behind a toxic nightmare. The World Bank is doing it's part to try and help these communities. The idea is to stop uninvited mining operations and "ensure meaningful community participation in projects" by mandating "free, prior, informed consent for all operations which may impact communities."
Often these rural people have little if no legal title to their land leaving them open to victimization. Regardless if these people have lived for generations on the same land, a mining lease can be granted to a mining company and without much warning, a family can be evicted. The use of force, military, and in some case, hired terrorist, can be used to forcibly evict families from their land and receiving minimal compensation and nothing for loss of their livelihood. The tussles between mining companies and local residents has caused concern. There are reports of beatings and guard dog attackes on local villagers.
The environmental and health concerns increase. Gold mining accidents and tainting of water supplies is legendary. Not only is the drinking water tainted, but it kills a viable food source. The enormous health risk to the communities directly surrounding the mine have not just immediate health issues, but long term issues as well.
Next Few Issues....The enormous environmental impact, and companies that promote change
