The case of Rio Tinto, not only as an example of ordinary capitalist
greed, but also as a symbol of the ubiquitous system in which globalcapital controls the fate of peoples and natural resources is not a
coincidence, but a product of contemporary capitalist logic that knows
no borders and does not recognize the value of life in any form. It is a
British-Australian company, whose largest individual shareholders are
the Aluminum Corporation of China and the American investment funds
Black Rock and CRM, and whose lithium mining in Serbia is being forced
by the German state, with comprador structures in Serbia as executors.
In the current global capitalist order, the phenomenon of corporate
dominance over human and natural resources represents the peak of
exploitation characterized by neoliberal principles. The case of the Rio
Tinto company in Serbia illustrates how neoliberal capitalism functions
as a global machine for systematic exploitation and domination, masking
its real intentions behind the facade of "economic utility" and "progress".
This kind of economic model, which as a dominant phenomenon of
contemporary capitalism includes a series of principles and practices
that enable unlimited exploitation, takeover and control over natural
resources and human lives, functions in perfect conjunction with
comparative regimes like the government in Serbia, which uses the widest
range of repressive mechanisms to suppress any form of resistance - from
media propaganda and psychological repression, through political and
material, to all available means of the coercion apparatus.
The local authorities in Serbia allowed Rio Tinto's project to take
place without any control and protection of local interests. The
authorities, driven by their own economic and political interests and as
part of a minority linked to the interests of big capital, actively
helped the corporation to take over the fertile land. In doing so, they
knowingly threatened the health and livelihood of the local population,
as well as the wider community. Such decisions, as just one step in the
direction of a practice that favors the interests of such corporations
at the expense of communities, are not only potentially irreversible in
an ecological sense, but can permanently destabilize the economy and
destroy the future of many generations, both at the local, regional and
national levels.
Considering that corporations like Rio Tinto on a global scale function
as continuous sources of exploitation, facing the population all over
the world with the same fate, many vulnerable communities and the
working class in different countries of the world have long since
developed a strong culture of resistance, which represents the only way
of defense. This culture of resistance is not a local phenomenon, but
part of a broader, international struggle against corporate aggression.
In the struggle for the position of workers and the basic needs of local
communities around the world, the resistance against the devastation of
natural resources and human lives, carried out by Rio Tinto, has become
global. The mining giant faces strong opposition over environmental
damage and rights violations, while workers and local communities strive
to protect their environment, health and dignity. From Serbia to
Australia, from Mongolia to Zambia, communities and workers are
steadfastly fighting for their freedoms and nature conservation,
opposing Rio Tinto's destructive mining operations.
These are just some of the mines around the world where Rio Tinto has
carried out total devastation and exploitation, destroying not only
workers, communities and the natural world, but also historical and
cultural heritage:
1. Australia - Ranger Mine
Australia's Ranger uranium mine, operated by Rio Tinto, has been the
subject of long-running protests by Aboriginal communities and
environmental activists over pollution and violations of indigenous
rights. The mine is located near Kakadu National Park, which is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Workers reported poor working conditions, and some who tried to unionize
or raise safety concerns faced retaliation.
2. Papua New Guinea - Panguna Mine
The Panguna copper mine, operated by Rio Tinto during the 1970s and
1980s, caused significant social and environmental problems. This mine
was one of the key factors in the outbreak of civil war in Bougainville,
which lasted from 1988 to 1998, leaving tens of thousands dead and
displaced.
The closure of the mine left behind huge amounts of toxic waste, which
continued to pollute the surrounding rivers and land.
3. Australia - Destruction of the Juukan Gorge Sanctuary
In May 2020, Rio Tinto mined and destroyed the ancient Juukan Gorge
Aboriginal sanctuary in Western Australia, which was over 46,000 years
old. This incident caused global condemnation and led to significant
changes in the company's management.
As a result of public and investor pressure, several senior executives,
including the CEO, were forced to resign.
4. Madagascar - Mine QMM
The QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) mine, operated by Rio Tinto, faces
constant criticism from local communities for water pollution and
negative environmental impact. Local residents and NGOs regularly
protest against mine operations.
Water pollution with uranium and other heavy metals was recorded, which
caused health problems among the local population.
5. Mongolia - Oyu Tolgoi mine
In Mongolia, the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine, in which Rio Tinto has
a significant stake, is facing protests over alleged violations of local
communities' rights and inadequate management of water resources.
Rio Tinto has been accused of exaggerating project costs to increase its
stake in the mine at the expense of the Mongolian government.
6. Canada - Diavik mine
In Canada, the Diavik diamond mine, operated by Rio Tinto, has faced
criticism for its environmental impact and the rights of indigenous
communities.
Local communities have expressed concerns about pollution and the lack
of consultation during the planning and execution of mining operations.
7. South Africa - Richards Bay Minerals mine
The Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) mine in South Africa, which is operated
by Rio Tinto, faces ongoing unrest and community violence over social
and environmental issues. The protests were often accompanied by clashes
between workers and local residents.
In June 2021, the director of RBM was killed in an ambush, which led to
the temporary closure of the mine.
8. United States of America - Resolution Copper Mine
In Arizona, Rio Tinto plans to open one of the largest copper mines in
the world - Resolution Copper. This project faces strong opposition from
local communities, particularly the Apache tribe, due to concerns about
the destruction of sacred lands and potential water pollution.
The project has become politically controversial, with calls for it to
be reviewed or suspended due to a lack of transparency and consultation
with local communities.
9. Indonesia - Grasberg mine
The Grasberg copper and gold mine, operated by Rio Tinto in partnership
with Freeport-McMoRan, has been the site of violent clashes between
workers and security forces. During 2011, workers went on strike
demanding better working conditions and wages. The strike led to deadly
clashes with the police, in which several workers were killed.
Grasberg is known for being one of the most controversial mines in the
world, due to massive pollution of river systems and human rights
violations.
10. Brazil - Paracatu mine
In Brazil, Rio Tinto operated the Paracatu mine, the country's largest
gold mine, before selling it. The local community opposed the mining
operations due to the alleged contamination of water resources with
cyanide and heavy metals. Activists organized protests and legal actions
against the mine.
Mine workers often reported poor working conditions, and some faced
repressive measures when they tried to organize unions or strike.
11. Mozambique - Benga mine
In Mozambique, the Rio Tinto-operated Benga coal mine has sparked
significant protests from local communities due to forced displacement
and inadequate compensation for land taken. Many residents reported
violence by private security forces and the police during the displacement.
The local community complained about air and water pollution caused by
mining activities, which led to health problems in the area.
12. India - Bauxite mine in Niyamgira
In India, Rio Tinto was linked to a bauxite mine in the Niyamgiri
mountain, which is sacred to the Dongria Kondh tribe. The tribe
organized massive protests against the mine, claiming that mining would
destroy their sanctuary and threaten their way of life.
Under international pressure, the Indian government eventually banned
mining in the area, but Rio Tinto was involved in attempts to repress
local activists and community leaders.
13. Canada - Eagle Mine
At the Eagle Mine in Michigan, operated by Rio Tinto, workers complained
about poor working conditions and safety standards. When they tried to
organize a union, they faced retaliation, including firings and
intimidation.
The mine has also sparked protests from local communities and
environmental activists over potential groundwater pollution and
violations of indigenous peoples' rights.
14. South Africa - Palabora mine
The Palabora copper mine, operated by Rio Tinto, has been the site of
numerous strikes and conflicts between workers and management. Workers
often faced repression, including physical violence, when they tried to
demand better working conditions.
The mine was also associated with air and soil pollution, which
negatively affected the health of the local community.
15. Zambia - Nchanga Copper Mine
In Zambia, the Nchanga copper mine, operated by Rio Tinto in the past,
has faced protests over poor working conditions and minimum wages. The
workers went on strike demanding improved working conditions.
Workers who took part in strikes often faced dismissal, intimidation
and, in some cases, violence by private security forces.
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As we fight against Rio Tinto, we are also fighting against the wider
capitalist system that perpetuates violence and exploitation. That is
why we invite all workers to self-organize and join the protests and
activities that will help in that struggle.
Also, we invite you to unionize in the workplace, because it is an
irreplaceable weapon that is useful not only in the fight against Rio
Tinto, but also in general in the fight for better living conditions and
overcoming this system.
Our fight is not only to stop this project, but to create a society that
will not be based on violence and exploitation by state and corporate
power, but for a society freed from capitalist and all other forms of
oppression and control, for a society based on the universal principles
of freedom, equality and equality!
Anarcho-syndicalist initiative - ASI
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