A London Leavening

The Church of England has ejected Vedanta Resources from its investment portfolio, strongly doubting that the UK company can be ethical. Australia's largest mineworkers union is calling for an international campaign against Rio Tinto as the company tries turning "green" in Wales. Meanwhile, London-based corporate mining lobby, ICMM, puts up a dubious argument that its members are committed to tackling poverty.

Russian aluminium conglomerate, Rusal, has failed to make a London Stock Exchange listing. It's also sacking its Jamaican worforce. We probe the company's involvement with two highly suspect British politicians.

Other news this week

• Bangladeshis protest at government betrayal over "cancelled" coal mine
• Obama is challenged over Canadian company's threat to El Salvador
• A top US mining executive buys an eco-ranch (Yes, you read aright!)
• Amnesty decries police violence against Papuan New Guinea villagers
• Guyanese miners protest against Norwegian forest pact
• An Australian project moves ahead, in violation of Philippines law
• Saudis go for gold, despite water shortage fears

Finally, we offer two items that provide some food for deeper thought.

A British analyst claims many climate campaigners have got it wrong about climate change.

And an Indian report prompts serious reconsideration of the nature of "illegal" mining.

The London Declaration - 2008

The London Declaration is the founding document of Mines and Communities and encapsulates key demands being made by many communities affected by mining around the world. Sign on here.

Who's funding what in mining?

Need to know which banks and institutions are funding which mining companies - and where? From Money to Metals is an indispensable database and analysis, recently updated and available on-line.