NGOs suggest key recommendations for Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine project in Mongolia
February 15, 2013
The letter, signed by 39 organisations, outlines ongoing concerns about the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Mongolia, which is currently under consideration for financing by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The project, one of the largest and most complex infrastructure investments proposed by the EBRD, poses a significant environmental and social risk to the local communities, as well as to the country at large.
Comments on the EBRD’s 2006 Energy Operations Policy and recommendations for the forthcoming Energy Strategy
January 15, 2013
As the first step in its review of its Energy Operations Policy, the EBRD asked for input on its current policy before moving on to write the new sectoral strategy. In our comments, Bankwatch highlighted the current policy’s lack of restrictions on climate-damaging projects including coal power plants and the need for the bank to adopt strict sustainability criteria in order to ensure that it supports only truly sustainable renewable energy.
Grey area alert – IFI sponsored PPPs the latest big thing in Kazakhstan
December 14, 2012
While it is not to be unexpected for the public to attempt to scrutinise the effective performance of governmental agencies, in recent years in Kazakhstan it has been far from obvious that many resources and services, projects and finances are being provided by international financial institutions (IFIs). Indeed, very often it is the IFIs that act as catalysts for various government programs, reforms and ideas that are subsequently adapted via the bureaucratic apparatus to Kazakhstan’s reality.
A useless sham – Review of the Oyu Tolgoi Copper and Gold Mine Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
December 14, 2012
The potentially EBRD supported Oyu Tolgoi copper/gold mine in southern Mongolia project poses significant adverse social and environmental impacts. This in-dept review – based on our own research as well as that of expert reviewers – shows that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is a non-starter and deeply flawed. The study is complemented by detailed expert analyses in five annexes.
New report shows World Bank tough talk on climate is just a mirage in Mongolia’s Gobi desert
December 14, 2012
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Just one week after its grim warning during the UN climate talks in Doha that the world is on a path towards a four degree-rise in global temperatures, the World Bank is set to approve financing for yet another coal plant. The plant will power a giant mining complex in Mongolia’s South Gobi desert, fuelling climate change and violating the Bank’s own policies, argues a new analysis from advocacy groups.
That’s what they call sustainable. The EBRD’s 10 billion for sustainable energy
November 6, 2012
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development boasts of having invested 10 billion euros in sustainable energy since 2006. A closer look reveals that although the bank’s efforts deserve recognition, several investments make a mockery of ‘sustainability’.
Новая политика деятельности ЕБРР в горнодобывающем секторе: оценка содержания и консультационный процесс
November 2, 2012
На прошлой неделе без особой огласки увидела свет долгожданная новая Политика деятельности ЕБРР в горнодобывающем секторе. Представители ЕБРР потратили более трех лет на подготовку этого документа, дающего нам надежду на то, что Банк усовершенствует свою деятельность в горнодобывающем секторе. К сожалению, наши надежды по большей части не оправдались.
‘Comments noted’, business as usual continues. The marginal public influence on the EBRD’s new mining policy
November 2, 2012
After long delays and more than 3 years of preparation the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has finally completed and published a policy for its operations in the mining sector. Both the consultation process and the final outcome must leave “the consulted stakeholders” disappointed.
The EBRD’s new Mining Operations Policy: A commentary on consultation process and content
November 2, 2012
The long awaited EBRD Mining Operations Policy was released last week without much noise. It has taken the EBRD more than 3 years to prepare a document which had raised hopes it could improve the bank’s activities in the mining sector. Most of these hopes, however, have not been fulfilled.
Money, and the EU’s climate agenda, to burn: EBRD mining strategy on a carbon collision course
October 9, 2012
With the EBRD due to sign off on its new mining strategy in November this year, 22 MEPs have pointed out in an open letter to European commissioners that given the state of the policy draft the bank risks contradicting the EU Resource Efficiency Roadmap and responsible mining principles. At risk of being compromised too, Bankwatch believes, are the EU’s 2020 strategy and EU commitments on climate change and biodiversity protection.
