January 29, 2010
Cliffs Natural Resources is facing blockades at some of its chromium exploration sites in a region of northwestern Ontario known as “the Ring of Fire,” located 150 miles west of James Bay.
The area has seen an incredible surge in mine exploration activity, with 4,000 claims staked in the past two years, alone, as part of an effort by over 35 companies to get in on the action before Ontario modernizes its antiquated mining laws. Many of the claims are located on traditional native land, amid concerns that companies and the provincial government have not adequately consulted them, as required by law, before moving ahead with plans.
“Exploration on our traditional land is getting out of hand,” said Marten Falls First Nation Chief Elijah Moonias. “Mineral Exploration companies are not respecting our interests.” Read the rest of this entry »
5 Comments | 
Canada, Cliffs Natural Resources, civil disobedience, indigenous | Tagged: first nation, ontario, cliffs, Canada | 
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Posted by LSMN
December 31, 2008
By Gabriel Caplett
In February 2006, a small crowd of mostly children and elderly members from the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, (KI) or Big Trout Lake, First Nation peacefully blockaded a winter access road used by the Platinex mining company and decommissioned the company’s exploration camp, dismantling buildings and packing their drilling equipment. In response to the blockade the drilling crew fled the area by plane. Despite offers to return the equipment to the company, Platinex did not contact KI for its equipment. Following this action, the KI chief sat at the site and protected the territory for about a month until it became apparent that Platinex wasn’t returning anytime soon. Read the rest of this entry »
1 Comment | civil disobedience, human rights, indigenous | Tagged: civil disobedience, KI6, native american, ontario | Permalink
Posted by LSMN
June 25, 2008
By Gabriel Caplett
As the Upper Peninsula battles against a metallic sulfide mining district, citizens have turned to neighboring Wisconsin as an example of successful grassroots opposition to unsustainable mining.
Ironically, Kennecott has also found inspiration in Wisconsin. The company has showcased its now-closed Flambeau Mine in attempts to demonstrate that it is capable of operating a successful sulfide mine in the UP.
Kennecott, and the industry as a whole, has learned its lesson in losing to grassroots mining opponents in Wisconsin and around the world. Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a Comment » | Kennecott-Rio Tinto, civil disobedience, indigenous | Tagged: civil disobedience, human rights, ontario, Wisconsin | Permalink
Posted by LSMN
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