Global – The Secretariat publishes Promotio Iustitiae – 135
The Secretariat has published its 135th issue of Promotio Iustitiae on the theme: Mineral Mining: Boon or Bane? This first issue of the year on Mineral Mining follows three previous numbers dedicated to the cry of the environment and the cry of the poor. PI 132 was on the water and the poor; PI 133 on land and the poor; and PI 134 on the forest & air and the poor.
This edition has compiled 12 case studies that reflect on what is happening to vulnerable communities worldwide. It is a continuation and an update of PI-118 of 2015 dedicated to “Governance of mineral resources: challenges and responses”, with a renewed focus on the work carried out by individuals, organisations and communities collaborating with the Justice in Mining network. These documented cases show a long tradition of accompanying the communities, particularly the indigenous groups, affected by mining conflicts in the Global South.
To complement their work, the institutions in the Global North, taking the call to “build bridges between rich and poor, establishing advocacy links of mutual support” (GC35, D3, # 28) seriously campaign, advocate and defend the rights of the communities, where the Jesuit social centres and organisations are directly working with. Some Universities, thankfully, have linked their research on mining-affected realities with public advocacy. A wonderful expression of collaboration and collective mission.
The Justice in Mining network, one of the four Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN), which brings together Jesuit social centres, NGOs and Universities that promote integral ecology and socioenvironmental justice in mining-related contexts, contributes to this edition.Each article presents the context, the reality of extractive industry activity, its relationship with local populations, the actions of public authorities, and personal and common experiences.
All these cases, from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, raise serious questions about whether mining is a boon or a bane for the people involved and the environment. What is the environmental and human cost, and development at whose expense? Who gains, and who loses? Is there an ethical ‘limit to growth’?
Have a good read! The issue is available in pdf, Epub and Mobi versions
and can be downloaded and shared free of charge.
Related Posts:
The Justice in Mining network has advanced efforts to protect communities affected by mining. Key achievements include stronger collaboration among 22 Jesuit institutions, documenting crucial case studies and advocating for corporate accountability as demand for critical minerals grows.
The Central American Province of the Society of Jesus marks the first anniversary of the Nicaraguan government's confiscation of the Central American University, condemning the violation of education rights and academic freedom. They call for an end to repression, the release of political prisoners, and a return to dialogue and justice.
Resource persons at the "Cobalt Blue" webinar organised by the Canadian Jesuit International stressed the root causes of mining misery: the legacy of colonialism, racism, unchecked consumerism, and a greedy global economic-political system that overlooks ethical and environmental concerns are among the main reasons for the untold suffering caused by mining and the extraction of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
After almost six months of war in Gaza, the Society of Jesus released a statement calling for peace. The Jesuits avow to follow Pope Francis's voice, who has repeatedly warned that war is a defeat and called for negotiations—and the beginning of a process that will bring freedom, liberty, and justice for all in the Middle East--the only road to true peace.
"Conflicts in Africa in the Context of the Exploitation of Natural and Mining Resources" was the theme of a seminar in Accra, Ghana. Participants in the seminar convened by the Symposium of the Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) called for the end of the ruthless depletion of natural resources by multinational corporations and foreign powers.
How can we describe our world's progress towards social justice? What feelings does such a reality arouse in us? What actions does such a situation call us to take?
