Beyond the mining deals12 February, 2026The annual convergence in Cape Town of the Investing in African Mining Indaba and its counterpoint, the Alternative Mining Indaba, once again highlighted the stark divide that characterises much of the continent’s extractive sector: on one side, deal-making among investors, mining houses, and governments; on the other, demands from affected communities and trade unions for a more equitable share of the proceeds.
Union advocacy cuts mine worker fatalities in Pakistan in 202516 January, 2026After years of dangerous working conditions in Pakistan’s mines, reported accidents have declined in 2025, following sustained union pressure, the introduction of new safety legislation and targeted occupational health and safety measures in high-risk mining areas.
Mining unions pledge solidarity to confront global capital in a volatile sector3 November, 2025The mining and diamonds, gems, ornaments, jewellery, and processing (DGOJP) industries, long a cornerstone of global supply chains, are undergoing a deep transformation. Surging demand for battery metals including copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel fuels the green-energy turn, while rare earths underpin everything from wind turbines to electric vehicles.
Curbing violations by Chinese multinationals in African critical minerals boom31 October, 2025As the world races towards net zero, Africa’s vast reserves of cobalt, lithium and copper, which are vital for electric-vehicle batteries and renewable-energy technologies, have huge potential to industrialize the continent and boost manufacturing. Yet in the extraction of the critical minerals, Chinese multinationals, are engaging in unfair labour practices, paying low wages, and destroying the environment.
Indonesia: seven Freeport workers killed at a landslide at Grasberg14 October, 2025After a month-long rescue mission, the bodies of seven Indonesian and migrant workers were discovered on 5 October at Freeport-McMoRan’s Grasberg mine. The workers had been trapped underground following a landslide on 8 September, when an estimated 800,000 metric tonnes of mud suddenly flowed into the cave.
The other side of lithium: strengthening unions in the battery supply chain9 October, 2025Given the central role that lithium plays within the global energy agenda, a seminar was held in Antofagasta, Chile, on how to strengthen unions in the lithium sector. The event, which ran on 30 September and 1 October, was attended by leaders of mining unions in Chile and Argentina. It was part of IndustriALL’s strategy to support its affiliates in the battery supply chain, in light of the continuing labour rights violations in the sector.
Indian unions demand Just Transition in coals and renewables12 August, 2025With its renewable energy sector expanding rapidly while traditional sources such as coal continue to grow India is currently at a crossroads. Despite the heavy reliance on coal, the country has begun closing mines and shifting to renewables as part of its efforts to achieve the 2070 net-zero target. In this context, it is crucial to understand workers’ concerns and advocate for worker-centered policies to ensure a Just Transition.
Türkiye bans mineworkers’ strike with midnight presidential decree31 July, 2025The Turkish government has banned a lawful strike by mineworkers at state-owned Eti Maden, using a last-minute presidential decree to halt preparations for industrial action just hours before it was due to begin.
Union fury erupts over forced Mothae Mine layoffs3 July, 2025The Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL) is strongly objecting to the forced leave of 400 workers at Mothae Diamond Mine in Lesotho.
Human rights due diligence: an imperative for critical raw materials in the Global South2 June, 2025The global transition to renewable energy systems has intensified demand for critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper, particularly from resource-rich regions in the Global South. This surge underscores the urgent need for robust human rights due diligence (HRDD) in mining operations, as emphasized during a webinar on 22 May.
