In what is deemed an extensive media ruse, the government of Mexico announced in July that they would be extending a total of 75,000 hectares to what they’ve called a National Mining Reserve for the benefit of the Wixráica (Huichol) people.

By Tracy Barnett of The Esperanza Project

MEXICO CITY – The old Mexico met the new one Saturday at the massive Foro Sol and together, in a vivid explosion of rhythm and light and living energy, they danced the night away.

With the appointment of a new director, the London-based company GCM Resources is redoubling its efforts to install the Phulbari coal mine in Northern Bangladesh, despite calls by the UN for the project’s immediate halt.

In a major turn-around for the opponents of the Chinese Ramu Nickel Mine in Papua New Guinea, the Minister of Environment and Conservation ordered the company to halt work while he undertakes further studies on the environmental impacts of their tailings pipeline. The pipeline extends from the mine site in the mountains of Madang province to the coast, a distance of 134 kilometers.

On January 17^th, 2003 Global Response reported that letters and local and national opposition in Chile contributed toward a decision by the Regional Environmental Commission (COREMA) to require Canadian mining company Noranda Inc. to submit new information on the potential environmental impacts of its Alumysa aluminum plant, proposed for construction in the pristine Aisen region of Patagonia.