Vedanta, the global mining giant, has been the subject of great scrutiny and condemnation over the past five years. Now its public image has taken yet another blow as its flagrant abuse of human life and reckless destruction of delicate ecosystems and indigenous homelands promotes further public disdain.
Vedanta has proposed to extend its bauxite mining facility to include the sacred Niyamgiri Hills; home to around 8,000 Dongria Kondh people. According to Vedanta this particular region, affectionately named the "holy mountain" by its indigenous population, is no longer a significant religious site.
Vedanta maintains that the Dongria Kondh welcome the mine expansion and the potential wealth it may bring to the area. It also claims that the existing refinery plant at the foot of Niyamgiri Mountain does not pose an environmental or health risks. However, a recent environmental inspection of the plant found high degrees of water and air pollution, with reports of bauxite dust contaminating crops and raising the pH value in local water sources.
'Vedanta has proposed to extend its bauxite mining facility to include the sacred Niyamgiri Hills; home to around 8,000 Dongria Kondh people.'
On Wednesday 29 July 2010, the Vedanta annual general meeting was greeted by a consortium of human rights campaigners and environmental activists, equipped with banners and placards; poised for action. They lined the pavement opposite the Institute for Civil Engineering in London to make a stand against the Indian billionaire, Anil Agarwal, and his band of corporate bullies.
The shouts and screams of censure rose up above the muted traffic on Great George Street, reminding Vedanta share holders that international pressure and damning public opinion is building. Unsuspecting tourists, who had ventured away from the tranquillity of St. James’ Park, happily compiled anti-Vedanta holiday snaps as the angry protestors commanded the streets of Whitehall. The police looked on with powerless indignation as passing pedestrians marvelled at two Avatar-styled activists, sporting startlingly convincing blue body make up from head to toe.
Bianca Jagger presented a 30,000 signature petition to the Vedanta board on behalf of Amnesty International in protest against the proposed expansion and ongoing human rights violations. An unfortunate Vedanta plc board member attempted to mount a defence of sorts, but was duly picked apart by a barrage of incriminating questions. Needless to say, many shareholders were unhappy with Vedanta’s activities, as they watched their share value plummet before their very eyes.
The most significant outcome of the protest was the resulting withdrawal of three key investors. Two European banks announced that they were to disinvest in August of this year - and Aviva, Britain’s largest insurance provider, is also considering disinvestment.
In this time of unchecked mineral consumption and rapid economic development, some manifestation of this incongruity will always arise, where the demands of a free market economy directly threaten environmental conservation, whilst contravening the basic human rights of small and vulnerable communities. Whether or not the rights of the Dongria Kondh are upheld will depend upon the severity of international pressure brought to bear.
Words and photos: Josh Strauss.