Endangered tribes challenge UK mining giant

Recently, tribal leaders from Orissa, India, travelled to London to tell shareholders of mining giant, Vedanta Resources plc, how their way of life is under threat because of the activities of the company.

Local people allege that the company has forcibly removed communities from their homes, damaged local forests and is destroying a whole culture and way of life.

On August 1st, Vedanta Resources plc held its AGM in central London. Leaving India for the first time, two tribal leaders from the affected community came over to speak directly to the shareholders and directors.

‘We will not lose our homes without a fight. Vedanta needs to know that they cannot walk all over people like this. We have travelled thousands of miles to tell Vedanta that they are not welcome in Orissa.’ Phulame Majhi, a community leader from Jaganathpur village in Orissa.

Once inside the AGM Phulme and Kumuti Majhi were joined by other shareholder activists all challenging the misrepresentations by the company in its annual report.

The tribal leaders talked about the intimidation, violence and harassment local people face. They also gave evidence that the rehabilitation colonies people have been moved into are unsuitable and they are unable to grow food they need to survive. Vedanta's Executive Chairman, Anil Agarwal, responded to the tribal leaders allegations and assured the shareholders and activists that any intimidation or harassment would be urgently looked into. He also offered assurances that they would look at the conditions at the rehabilitation colony.

He also said that he believed the development the company was bringing to the area would improve lives in the region, bring opportunity and jobs.

'The jobs being offered by Vedanta are not going to be able to compensate for the thousands of livelihoods, and the culture of generations which will be lost through the displacement of local tribes.' Kumuti Majhi, farmer, Kuntia Kondh indigenous group, Orissa.

ActionAid will continue to work in close alliance with the local people's movement in Orissa and intends to follow up on all the concerns raised with the company.

The Supreme Court of India will shortly give a ruling on whether Vedanta can continue with its mining operation in Orissa.

Read more about the situation in Orissa.

photo : ©Kristian Buus/ActionAid