Extraction Industry Backlash

Our environment, people, and the social structure of our communities are all at risk.

After the initial cash boom of the extractive industry, controversies will develop. Spills or other technical issues may poison the environment, and problems related to poor working conditions, drugs, and alcoholism may surge.

The development of human trafficking, especially of women, is a pervasive side effect of extractive industries: one that is very difficult to eradicate once installed.

Depending on the industry, there are many documented cases of child labor, but other issues for children include playing in contaminated areas.

The presence of organized crime often increases where an extractive industry operates. The reason for this is extractive industries tend to destabilize the communities in which they operate, often forcing people into criminal activity to survive and attracting other criminals seeking to take advantage of the situation. 

Does the law protect against these issues?

FPIC could be a critical factor in protecting people against these issues. But unfortunately, although it is ratified in international law, it is rarely enforced, even by states that signed UNDRIP.

The reason is that when it comes to resources, indigenous nations and the state compete over sovereignty. Under state law, this allows them to go forward with the project for “the greater good of the state.”

Even when the state supports us, its support may crumble because of international business threats and political pressure. Watch the following video about missing, or ignored, regulations.

What are they extracting resources to produce?

To make a profit, create products, or make energy needed for industrial societies to run.

The term “green energy” is now frequently used when extractive industries extract rare materials – but green doesn’t mean the extraction process won’t be harmful. Because of climate change, many states and corporations are rushing to electrify many of their services and the opening of new mines is increasing. But the truth is, in many cases, the effects of extraction and production processes negate any potential decrease in the carbon emissions they hope to mitigate. Too often, “green” is just a word they use to help them get away with what they are doing. 

Listen to Dr. Rudolph Rÿser speaking about “green” energy and the rush to electrification.