Energy & Extractive Industries | Bank Information Center: Monitoring the projects and policies of the World Bank, IMF and other international financial institutions


bicusa.org/extractives Energy & Extractive Industries Overview Background Concerns Problem Projects Updates Resources Contacts RSS Update \| 23 November 2011 Green energy from the Sahara: great opportunity, great responsibility The long-awaited solar program for the MENA region being co-funded by the World Bank has the potential to provide clean energy and jobs for the region, if it is implemented in consultation with local communities and with their interests and needs as a priority. Read more Update \| 15 August 2011 The scandalous allocation of mining titles in natural parks Granting titles to large companies and individuals in national parks and other protected ecosystems is controversial because it was an openly illegal action. Read more Update \| 15 August 2011 The Federal Public Ministry of Brazil's Federal District takes action to protect watersheds According to the MPF, the evaluation of impacts of hydroelectric plants has been partial and does not reflect the true environmental risks. Read more Press Clipping \| 11 August 2011 Brazil Planning to Invest in 7 Hydroelectric Dams in Latin America Read more Press Clipping \| 5 August 2011 Managing social risk: notes from the Peruvian Amazon The lack of free, prior and informed consent to upstream oil and gas operations is at the heart of many social conflicts in the Peruvian Amazon Read more Update \| 21 June 2011 BICECA Monthly Bulletin Read more Press Clipping \| 31 May 2011 Selling Energy to Brazil is Criticized Only Brazilian extractive industries will benefit from Peru's planned sale of energy to that country, through the energy agreement that was signed with the South American superpower, and that is currently awaiting approval by the Congress. Read more Update \| 26 May 2011 The World Bank's coal electricity headache A new report from CO2 Scorecard, based in part on BIC data, looks into the claims surrounding continued World Bank investment in coal, such as the efficiency of supercritical plants, its effect on poor populations, and what makes up an "exceptional case." Read more Update \| 3 May 2011 Where is the World Bank’s energy sector strategy headed? A new article from BIC's Paulina Garzon looks at the current status of the World Bank's energy strategy review, which has run into controversy at the Board of Directors. The article notes the politics surrounding the policy, as well as technical Read more Case Study \| 14 April 2011 IFC client revenue disclosure update February 2011 BIC has been tracking how IFC oil, gas and mining clients disclose taxes and other material payments to host governments and communities. The 2011 review finds overall improvements in revenue disclosure, but challenges remain with timelines of disclosure and relevance of the information at the local level. Read more Update \| 7 April 2011 Energy for the poor: World Bank urged to make a clean break A new article by the Bretton Woods Project looks into the current state of play in the World Bank's process of revising its Energy Strategy. The author argues that the current draft still has a long way to go to ensure equitable energy access for the poor. Read more Update \| 5 April 2011 Organization of American States requests immediate suspension of Belo Monte dam in Brazilian Amazon The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights considered that Indigenous Peoples must be consulted BEFORE the dam’s construction begins Read more Update \| 29 March 2011 The IDB's Annual Meeting characterized by the lack of progress in the sustainable development agenda Read more Update \| 21 March 2011 Rogun HPP: Critical information about Tajikistan's proposed large dam BIC's Europe and Central Asia program has issued a briefing note on the proposed Rogun Dam, currently being assessed by the World Bank, with several potential funders looking into the project. Read more Update \| 3 March 2011 World Bank clean energy chief writes about benefits for the poor Dan Kammen has written a blog post discussing the upcoming UNFCCC conference in Durban, South Africa, the Scaling up Renewable Energy in Low-Income Countries program (SREP), and how the poor can benefit from both. Read more Update \| 25 January 2011 World Bank hosts its first dialogue on the MENA CSP program in Cairo On January 20, 2011, the World Bank hosted a dialogue on the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Program in the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt in order to discuss the overall CSP program and any key concerns that stakeholders might have. Read more Update \| 7 January 2011 World Bank releases extractives industries annual report The World Bank has published a review of its activities in the extractives sector for 2010. In previous years, the Bank has published the Extractive Industries Review implementation progress report, which detailed not just extractives investments but also how they relate to the commitments of the EIR. Read more Update \| 30 November 2010 Cancun climate chronicles: Rough discussions continued Mahabat Murzakanova of Citizens Against Corruption, Kyrgyzstan blogs about her experiences in Cancun for day two of the South-South Summit on Financial Justice and Finance. Read more Update \| 18 November 2010 BIC Announces ECA Energy Fellowship Read more Update \| 5 November 2010 Ensuring positive development outcomes for North Africa CSP Program As the World Bank pushes forward with a massive investment in North Africa’s energy sector, it is up to the institution to ensure that this program benefits those who need it most. Read more Press Clipping \| 5 November 2010 Egypt, World Bank sign power project accords Egypt and the World Bank on Thursday signed two new loan agreements worth 820 million dollars, in the largest financing provided by the institution to the country's electricity sector Read more Update \| 4 November 2010 Civil society representatives bring energy concerns to Bank in Kazakhstan In late May, nearly 100 representatives of civil society, government, and private sector companies consulted on the World Bank's Energy Strategy. The meeting, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan and videoconferenced to three other countries in the region, focused on hydropower, governance, and extractives. Read more Update \| 14 October 2010 Economist Jeffrey Sachs makes the case for contract transparency BIC publishes an article in The Huffington Post highlighting economist Jeffrey Sachs' arguments for transparency in the extractive industries. Read more Update \| 9 September 2010 International leader on clean energy joins World Bank The World Bank has announced the appointment of Professor of Energy Daniel M. Kammen of the University of California, Berkeley as the organization’s Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. This new position will provide leadership on a number of fronts. Read more Update \| 2 September 2010 The World Bank’s $6 billion man on climate change The World Bank recently created the position of Special Envoy for Climate Change, a position charged with overseeing massive amounts of money put toward mitigation efforts. Andrew Steer is the first person appointed to this position. Read more Press Clipping \| 24 August 2010 World Bank grants Egypt 1.2 bil Egyptian pounds for wind energy The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a loan of $1.2 billion Egyptian pounds to support the development of wind energy. 800 million Egyptian Pounds will be provided by the Clean Technology Fund, which will be a first for the fund in the Middle East and North Africa. Read more Press Clipping \| 10 August 2010 The world's first really green oil deal Ecuador's £3.6bn scheme to save its rainforest from exploitation could point the way to sparing other threatened landscapes. Read more Update \| 10 August 2010 BIC publishes best practices models for renewable energy Drawing on consultants worldwide, BIC has created a series of documents laying out successful renewable energy projects and the lessons that can be learned from them. The models cover Mexico, Indonesia, Southern Africa, and Central Asia. Read more Press Clipping \| 9 August 2010 REDD Alert: Lessons from Peru's Camisea Pipeline Project Can forest-rich countries learn from the mistakes of extractive projects and avoid unleashing their own resource curse? Read more Update \| 29 July 2010 International Rivers interviews Dan Kammen Kammen was recently selected to head the World Bank's renewable energy unit. In this interview, he discusses how technological change has affected the market for renewable energy and warns of "one size fits all" energy paths for developing countries. Read more Press Clipping \| 23 July 2010 Ecuador’s economy under Rafael Correa: Twenty-first century socialism or the New-Extractivism? Prof. Jeffery Webster interviews Alberto Acosta, ex-Minister of Energy and Mines, and ex-President of the Constituent Assembly. Read more Update \| 15 July 2010 World Bank, NGOs spar over Indonesian mine project The World Bank's Board of Directors said studies for a potential mining project in Indonesia could move forward Tuesday but civil society groups, citing studies that have already been done, condemned the decision. Read more Update \| 13 July 2010 Field report: Fighting for Lake Turkana For the people of northwestern Kenya, fighting to protect Lake Turkana from the Gibe 3 Dam is a fight for their livelihoods and the future of their unique cultures. International Rivers recently took a trip to the area and documented their struggle. Read more Update \| 9 July 2010 Warning signs for the future of the Peruvian Amazon This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features a summary of the event entitled "Oil and Mining Booms and Sustainable Development: Lessons from Peru for Development Planning & Revenue Management at the National and subnational level" (Washington, DC, June 16, 2010). Read more Update \| 1 July 2010 The World Bank's Energy Portfolio: Claiming sustainability amid contradictions This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features updates on the World Bank's Energy Strategy Review as well as the IFC's Policy and Standards Review in Latin America. Read more Update \| 30 June 2010 Egyptians tell the World Bank what they want loudly and clearly: Renewable energy At an energy consultation on June 29 for which it took weeks to finalize a date, 25 Egyptians from various segments of society, including NGOs, academic institutions, and private firms, all had one clear message for the World Bank to think about when designing its new energy strategy: "focus on renewable energy projects." Read more Press Clipping \| 30 June 2010 IFC invests $120 mn in Egypt refinery project Just one day after a World Bank Group energy consultation in Cairo where the clear and strong message from both civil society and the private sector was for the World Bank Group to push for renewables, the International Finance Corporation has announced a $120 million investment in Egypt's oil sector. Read more Update \| 25 June 2010 Peru-Brazil energy treaty reflects countries’ ongoing national issues This past Wednesday, June 16, 2010, the Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva and the Peruvian president, Alan Garcia, met in Manaus, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, to finalize discussions on an energy agreement. Read more Update \| 25 June 2010 International Rivers and nearly 100 others send letter to World Bank on dams Noting the increased commitment to large hydropower projects, 92 civil society organizations wrote to the World Bank asking that it pay attention to the known social and environmental problems associated with the sector. Read more Update \| 24 June 2010 Activist Q&A: Meet Mirvari Gahramanli BIC highlights the work of Mirvari Gahramanli of Azerbaijan's Oil Workers’ Rights Protection Organization. Read more Update \| 23 June 2010 Chinese Mega Loan for Dam Draws Fire The opposition and experts in Ecuador are questioning a 1.68 billion dollar loan from China to finance 85 percent of the construction and equipment of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric dam. Read more Update \| 22 June 2010 Brazil and Peru sign agreement for energy integration The presidents of Brazil and Peru signed on Wednesday an energy integration agreement which includes the construction of hydroelectric plants and interconnections through the Amazon jungle. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 June 2010 Investing in renewable energy for Egypt's future Writing in the Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm English Edition, Amr Mohsen of Lotus Solar Technologies and BIC's Amy Ekdawi lay out the case for Egypt to seek a transition to renewable energy now, not later, and to request that the World Bank aid this change of direction. Read more Update \| 18 June 2010 Brazilian dams in Peru's jungle to supply Brazil An energy deal that Peru and Brazil signed this week in the Amazon city of Manaus in Brazil is opposed by environmentalists and local indigenous communities in Peru where the planned hydroelectric dams will be built. What is at stake? Read more Update \| 8 June 2010 Ten years since the Chad-Cameroon pipeline, has the World Bank learned its lesson? On the tenth anniversary of the funding of the Chad-Cameroon Oil & Pipeline Project, the World Bank continues to practice problematic energy investment strategies. This emblematic project and its problems should inform the Bank's new Energy Strategy and how it invests in poor communities. Read more Update \| 2 June 2010 BIC's concerns and policy recommendations on IFC policies and Performance Standards In light of the International Finance Corporation's review of its Sustainability Policy, Performance Standards and Disclosure Policy, the Bank Information Center has outlined its major concerns and policy recommendations that it will be presenting to the IFC throughout the review process. BIC highlights the issues of extractive industries revenue and contract transparency; reporting on development outcomes; and the principle of free, prior and informed consent and broad community support for risky projects. Read more Update \| 1 June 2010 BIC and FDPD co-host energy workshop in Cairo as first event within new protocol On May 3rd 2010, FDPD and BIC organized a panel discussion to bring together energy experts from NGOs, the private sector, and academia among others, to discuss Egypt's energy sector and the role that the World Bank Group would ideally play in that sector. The event also marked the first collaborative effort within a new BIC-FDPD protocol. Read more Update \| 24 May 2010 ClimateWire: Eskom fallout spurs new opposition to World Bank's role in climate funding A new ClimateWire article looks into the growing number of voices concerned about the World Bank's role in a post-Copenhagen world. The Bank's recent approval of a controversial loan to South African utility Eskom has spurred several previously reserved groups to demand reforms. BIC board member David Hunter was quoted. Read more Update \| 21 May 2010 SAVE THE DATE: Oil and mining booms and sustainable development Wednesday, June 16th, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies will host a panel titled "Oil and mining booms and sustainable development: Lessons from Peru for development planning and revenue management at the national and subnational level." Read more Update \| 18 May 2010 Civil society writes letter opposing general capital increase More than 100 civil society organizations from around the globe signed on to a letter demanding an end to all fossil fuel projects at the World Bank with aims other than energy access for the poor. Until the Bank halts the financing of such projects, bringing them into line with the G20 and APEC pledges to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, these CSOs will oppose the Bank's recapitalization ask. Read more Press Clipping \| 12 May 2010 Gas shortages will be felt around the country An investigation by Derecho, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (DAR) reveals that from 2002 to 2009 Peruvian household utility customers financed the construction of TGP ducts. Read more Update \| 12 May 2010 Now is the time to shift World Bank resources to clean energy Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council writes that before the U.S. commits to funding the World Bank's capital increase, the Bank must commit fully to being part of the climate change solution. Read more Update \| 12 May 2010 NGO community celebrates 20th anniversary of the Pelosi Amendment At a dinner in the Rayburn Congressional Office Building, representatives of non-governmental organizations, the U.S. government, and multilateral development banks came together to celebrate the Pelosi Amendment, a longstanding requirement for environmental assessment in MDB loans. Read more Update \| 6 May 2010 BIC's model Energy Strategy launch: video and commentary On April 24, BIC launched a model Energy Strategy for the World Bank. Taking advantage of the many representatives of government and civil society in town for the World Bank Spring Meetings, we held an event with an expert panel addressing the World Bank's problmetic approach to energy and how the Bank can transform its lending. Read more Update \| 3 May 2010 Civil society lights the World Bank's path to clean energy at Spring Meetings The Huffington Post publishes a BIC op-ed on civil society's insight and input into the World Bank's Energy Strategy review process. Read more Press Clipping \| 30 April 2010 Obama administration continues to subsidize coal Despite pledges to the contrary, a new report from environmentalist Joshua Frank shows that the Obama administration is subsidizing coal to an unprecedented degree, including through the World Bank and other MDBs. Read more Update \| 30 April 2010 WRI releases report on sustainable energy investments A new report from WRI coathored by BIC board member Athena Ballesteros examines MDB investment in the power sector between 2006 and 2008 and what the policies, regulations, and institutional capacities of this period mean for the future. Read more Update \| 29 April 2010 New analysis: FY2010 already the World Bank's largest year for fossil fuel spending to date A new factsheet from BIC consultant Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs shows that fiscal year 2010 is the most the World Bank has ever loaned for fossil fuel. There are still two months left in FY2010, during which the Bank will decide on a coal plant to be built in Botswana. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 April 2010 Civil society calls on World Bank to reform its energy lending Against the backdrop of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's spring meetings this weekend, numerous groups have chimed in on the need for and direction of a new World Bank energy strategy. Read more Update \| 26 April 2010 BIC releases model World Bank Energy Strategy As the World Bank is crafting its new Energy Strategy, BIC has put together a model for how we think the Bank's final strategy should look. The model was created in consultation with civil society and energy experts worldwide. Read more Update \| 22 April 2010 PRESS RELEASE: Civil society opposes Zoellick's GCI request Civil society organizations voice opposition to the World Bank's recapitalization ask. Read more Update \| 20 April 2010 Concentrated Solar Power in MENA In a moment where the World Bank is reviewing its energy strategy, it is channeling the funds for a major program in the MENA region which may lead to technological breakthroughs with respect to mitigating climate change, but at what cost? This article examines the different factors associated with the development of Concentrated Solar Power in the region. Read more Update \| 9 April 2010 South African activist speaks out about World Bank loan on Democracy Now In an interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Desmond D'Sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance spoke about the controversial loan to Eskom and what will be done now that the Board has approved it. Read more Update \| 8 April 2010 World Bank approves $3.75 billion loan to Eskom Despite strong opposition from concerned South Africans and marathon deliberations, the Bank today voted to approve a loan that will help fund one of the dirtiest coal-fired power plants in the world. Read more Press Clipping \| 8 April 2010 U.S. to abstain on South African coal plant South African activist Desmond D'Sa is quoted in the ClimateWire article. Sources say that later today, the U.S. will abstain from voting on the controversial Eskom loan rather than vote against it. Read more Update \| 6 April 2010 World Bank enhances its support for Mediterranean Integration As the World Bank increases cooperation and coordination of development schemes with the Europeans, how might this affect lending trends in the Middle East and North Africa? Read more Update \| 6 April 2010 PRESS RELEASE: South Africans say "no" to Eskom coal Community members from South Africa's Limpopo Province filed a complaint with the World Bank Inspection Panel today due to the proposed $3.75 billion loan to Eskom. Read more Update \| 5 April 2010 Activists from U.S. & Africa to demonstrate at the World Bank in Washington, DC Civil society activists to converge at the World Bank on Wednesday in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. Read more Press Clipping \| 5 April 2010 Lori Pottinger: World Bank gives South Africa lumps of coal Lori Pottinger of International Rivers writes about South Africa's potential for renewable energy, contrasted to the heavy focus on coal power that Eskom is pursuing. Read more Press Clipping \| 5 April 2010 Peru: paro de mineros informales deja muertos y heridos Read more Press Clipping \| 22 March 2010 Indigenous leader confronts Chevron Cofan leader Emergildo Criollo traveled to California recently from his indigenous village in Ecuador to the home of Chevron’s new CEO John Watson, demanding that the oil giant take responsibility for the contamination of the Amazon and hundreds of related deaths. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 March 2010 Lobbying intensifies on World Bank's proposed South African power plant loan South African activists Caroline Ntaopane and Makoma Lekalakala take on the World Bank's proposed loan to Eskom. Read more Update \| 16 March 2010 Invitation: Friends of the Earth meeting on proposed Eskom loan Friends of the Earth is planning a discussion with two South African activists about the proposed $3.75 million loan to Eskom which will fund the construction of the Medupi power station tomorrow at 1 p.m. Read more Press Clipping \| 11 March 2010 Mining law which IFC helped to draft in Yemen to be submitted to Parliament A mining law which the International Financial Corporation has been helping the Yemeni government to draft has recently been completed and will be submitted to Parliament. According to this article, one of the main hindrances for potential investment in Yemen's mining sector is the security issue, leaving us with a few questions: Is the IFC willing and planning to invest? Would the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency provide insurance for investors? Read more Update \| 10 March 2010 Cronologia de la Carretera Interoceánica Read more Update \| 8 March 2010 Estudios de Impacto Socio Ambiental del Corredor Vial Interoceánico Sur Read more Update \| 4 March 2010 New from BIC: CSO participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative In 2009, BIC conducted a survey of civil society organizations in 19 countries involved in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a coalition that works with the World Bank Group to promote transparency in extractives. The survey looked into the effectiveness of CSO participation and the role of the World Bank in the process. Read more Update \| 4 March 2010 New CAP paper on the MDBs and climate change A new report from the Center for American Progress looks into the World Bank's ability to exacerbate or alleviate climate change through its project funding and its ability to set standards for other institutions. BIC's analysis of the Bank's energy lending is cited Read more Press Clipping \| 4 March 2010 World Bank to delay Congo hydro project three years The Bank will delay the proposed refurbishment of the Inga 1 and 2 dams until 2016, and will cut back the size of the project. Staff said that the cutbacks were due to both the world financial crisis and problems specific to the project. Read more Press Clipping \| 4 March 2010 IFC halts Congo investments until dispute resolved After the Democratic Republic of Congo cancelled an IFC backed mining contract over disputed payments, the World Bank arm has declared that it will not begin new projects in the country until the dispute is resolved. The IFC is currently active in nine projects in Congo with a commitment of $104.6 million. Read more Press Clipping \| 3 March 2010 Peru: Relocating entire villages for mines, dams Hundreds of Peruvian communities were displaced as they fled the 1980-2000 civil war. Today the government is pushing for urgent passage of a law that would facilitate the relocation of entire villages or neighbourhoods in mineral or energy-rich areas. Read more Press Clipping \| 3 March 2010 Egasur dispuesta a pagar US$ 200 millones de compensación para desarrollar central de Inambari Read more Press Clipping \| 1 March 2010 Puno mining authorities against Inambari hydroelectric dam “In our capacity as regional authorities, we have conducted a technical analysis of this project and we will not endorse it, because this project will only benefit Brazil” stated Víctor Paredes Argandeña, regional director of Energy and Mining in Puno. Read more Update \| 23 February 2010 Eskom's R29 billion World Bank loan runs into opposition A broad coalition of civil society in South Africa is mobilizing opposition to the controversial loan proposed to help fund the Medupi coal plant. They threatened a boycott of World Bank bonds if the loan is approved. Read more Press Release \| 16 February 2010 PRESS RELEASE: South Africans say no to Eskom's R29 billion World Bank Loan Communities, environmental groups, academics and NGOs today call on the World Bank to cease and desist from a proposed loan of R29 billion ($3.75 bn) to Eskom. If this loan – which may come up for a Board vote in March or April – goes through, poor South Africans will have to bear the burden of Eskom’s debt and the World Bank’s cost recovery programme, and climate change will intensify. A world campaign begins now. Read more Update \| 12 February 2010 The New Extractivism in South America So-called extractivism, which includes mineral and oil exploitation, has a long history in Latin America. Current exports have been nourished by extractivist activities. Extractivism has continued to play a key role in national economies. It has also occupied a place at the center of powerful struggles because of its economic, social, and environmental impacts. Read more Update \| 12 February 2010 Illegally transferred tribal land mortgaged to foreign banks? A cement plant in India financed in part by the IFC and ADB has been shut down pending a Supreme Court review of the mining operation supplying the plant. The complaint alleges that land was illegally transferred from tribal groups, that mining was undertaken without approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, and that customs and other duties were ignored. Read more Update \| 9 February 2010 A debate on energy agreement with Brazil is requested Without transparency the energy agreement would be less accountable Read more Update \| 4 February 2010 Nine Executive Directors write to President Zoellick about U.S. coal guidelines On January 13th, nine executive directors representing China, India, and other countries in the Global South wrote a letter protesting the recently announced guidelines from the U.S. for what coal projects it could support. The directors objected to the United States declaring it wouldn't support coal projects while maintaining its own reliance on coal power. Read more Press Clipping \| 26 January 2010 Hundreds will lose their schools if the Inambari dam is built, warns Regional Director of Education 19 educational institutions will be lost in the construction of the Inambari hydroelectric center, affecting 634 students if the government goes forward with the project, which will benefit Brazil. Read more Press Clipping \| 26 January 2010 “Inambari is a threat to human health" An interview with Roxana Torres Camacho, of the Association of Biologists of Puno, who asserts that the construction of the Inambari hydroelectric dam will not only spur the disappearance and death of plants and animals, but may even increase the spread of diseases among humans. Read more Update \| 25 January 2010 World Bank announces dates for first Energy Strategy consultations The Bank has initiated the first round of consultations on its Energy Strategy by opening online comments to the public and publishing dates for meetings in select countries. The consultations will last until June of this year. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 January 2010 China, India and others hit back at new U.S. coal rules A memo from the U.S. Treasury Department laying out conditions for supporting new coal projects at MDBs has angered several other shareholders in the World Bank. Nine executive directors objected that they were being cut off from financing for cheap coal while the U.S. still produces 26% of coal generated electricity worldwide. Read more Update \| 21 January 2010 Environmental NGOs write to Secretary Geithner about U.S. coal subsidies Last year, the executive directors of Sierra Club and Rainforest Action Network sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner encouraging him to end federal subsidies for coal-fired power plants. Included in the letter is the point that the U.S. subsidizes coal plants through its vote at the multilateral development banks. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 January 2010 E&E News quotes BIC on Treasury Dept. coal guidelines The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released guidelines on the funding of coal power plants by multilateral development banks, prompting mixed reactions from civil society. BIC board member Athena Ballesteros and Sustainable Energy Expert Yong Chen are quoted, expressing enthusiasm as well as concern about the guidelines and their effectiveness. Read more Press Clipping \| 13 January 2010 The politics of climate Dr. Vandana Shiva of the Navdanya Trust reviews the Copenhagen conference and its underlying politics. Coming from a Global South perspective, he finds little basis for continued delay in action or the implicit assumption that present economic dominance by the Global North and certain polluters must be maintained at all costs. Read more Update \| 11 January 2010 BIC comments on U.S. Dept. of Treasury's new guidance for developing coal power On December 14th, the U.S. Treasury released a note titled "Guidance to MDBs for Engaging with Developing Countries on Coal-Fired Power Generation" which will guide how U.S. representatives to MDBs deal with proposed coal projects. Here, BIC comments on the functionality of the new policy. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 December 2009 Foreign Policy: Coal for Christmas Phil Radford, executive director of Greenpeace USA, writes a rebuttal to the World Bank on their energy lending and argues that they are still quite far from being a "climate-friendly" bank. Read more Update \| 22 December 2009 Greenwashing hydropower In the new issue of Worldwatch, Aviva Imhof of International Rivers and Guy Lanza of the University of Massachussetts, Amherst lay out the case that large hydropower projects achieve neither environmental nor social sustainability. Read more Press Clipping \| 15 December 2009 Carbon dating the World Bank Using BIC's recently published numbers on World Bank energy lending, Richard Mahapatra of InfoChange India writes about the "carbon trap" that the World Bank is locking developing countries into for the next 30 to 40 years. Read more Update \| 14 December 2009 Ugandan environmentalist speaks out on large dams, renewable energy, and poverty alleviation In his op-ed featured on All Africa, Frank Muramuzi of the National Association of Professional Environmentalists analyzes the World Bank’s disastrous approach to energy lending, focusing specifically upon large hydropower projects in Uganda. He emphasizes the point that the Bank’s current policies lead to more poverty, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Read more Press Clipping \| 14 December 2009 Amazon projects undercut Brazil's new green path Straddling one the Amazon's main tributaries and flanked by dense jungle, a construction pit the size of a small town bustles with bulldozers and nearly 10,000 workers blasting huge slabs of rock off the river bank. Read more Update \| 14 December 2009 GroundWork/Friends of the Earth South Africa publish new report on the World Bank and Eskom As the World Bank is expediting a $3.75 billion dollar loan to the South African power utility Eskom, mostly for the coal fired Medupi power station, a new report from South African NGO GroundWork looks at the state of Eskom, and what the influx of money will mean for the company and the country. Read more Press Clipping \| 9 December 2009 Banking on coal: Why is the World Bank subsidizing one of the planet's dirtiest fuels? Phil Radford, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, has written an Op-Ed for Foreign Policy on the World Bank and coal. He argues that there is a contradiction between the Bank's stated goals about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the continued funding for coal centered projects. Read more Press Clipping \| 8 December 2009 NASA scientist calls for urgency on climate change action James Hansen, the scientist who drew attention to the Bush administration's manipulation of climate change data, says that despite improved rhetoric, politicians are still engaged in "greenwash" and that they are seeking to continue business as usual. Read more Press Clipping \| 4 December 2009 A humanitarian disaster in the making along the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline -- Who's watching? Nine years after the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline was begun, and one year after IBRD and IDA pulled out, attention has faded fast. The disasterous effects of the project, however, are just beginning. Read more Update \| 4 December 2009 Prince of Wales Rainforests Project Features Madeira River Dams Read more Update \| 3 December 2009 BIC publishes new numbers on World Bank Group energy lending trends Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs published today numbers examining World Bank Group energy investments over the last three years. The factsheet contrasts data on Bank lending for fossil fuels, large hydropower, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Read more Update \| 1 December 2009 Expanding global cooperation on climate justice Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson and Senior Fellow at the Miller Institute Alice Miller have written a new article about the social impacts of climate change. They argue that if the World Bank is going to be the default institution for climate financing, it can vastly improve its practices to live up to this role. Read more Press Clipping \| 1 December 2009 García encourages more hyrdoelectric dams The Peruvian head of state reiterated the country's need to become a great energy power in South America. Read more Press Clipping \| 24 November 2009 Eskom official sees World Bank loan decision in H1 2010 South Africa's power company believes that the World Bank will make a decision about whether to loan up to $5 billion to the company in the first half of 2010. The money would go toward the construction of the Medupi coal fired power station, as well as other energy projects throughout the country. Read more Update \| 19 November 2009 Text of Senator Kerry's speech at the World Bank In a speech titled “Building a Twenty-First Century Development Bank: New Challenges, New Priorities,” Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry laid out his vision for the role of the US and the World Bank in tackling climate change, energy investment, and economic development. Read more Press Clipping \| 18 November 2009 Bribery for Inambari exposed An investigation by the Brazilian daily Folha de Brasil revealed the involvement of ex-Minister of Mining and Energy Silas Rondeau in a bribery scandal favoring the Brazilian company Engevix for the construction of six hydroelectric centers in Peru at a cost of US$ 16 billion. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 November 2009 Puno residents express opposition to the construction of Inambari hydroelectric dam Documents from the informational forum held in Madre de Dios stated that the hydroelectric center's reservoir would flood all territory below 540 meter above sea level, covering approximately 410 square kilometers. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 November 2009 IDB and World Bank to invest US$ 43 million in plans for hydro basins in Peru The Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank will invest in the development of six hydrological basins, located in mining areas around the country during the next five years, according to the coordinator of the hydrological resource management modernization project of the National Water Authority (ANA). Read more Press Clipping \| 16 November 2009 Chaglla hydroelectric center in Huánuco to be built with investment of US$ 600 million According to studies, the Chaglla hydroelectric center will have an installed potential of 360 MW and its construction could begin as early as the second trimester of 2010. Read more Press Clipping \| 10 November 2009 Civil society demands public consultation before implementation of Inambari Hydroelectric Project Parliament Representative from Puno, Susana Vilca Achata, presented a declaration from civil society of the Carabaya province to the vice minister of Energy and Mining, Daniel Camac Gutiérrez, in which they demanded public consultation before construction of the Inambari mega-project. Read more Press Clipping \| 10 November 2009 “Inambari will cause more damage than Camisea” Ex Minister of Energy and Mining, Carlos Herrera Descalzi, asserts that Peru's energy demand over the next several years puts the country at a disadvantage regarding the hydroelectric project. Read more Update \| 6 November 2009 Climate financing and the World Bank – The IMF and the World Bank to the rescue? The World Bank is moving to become one of the major institutions taking on climate change through its Climate Investment Funds, among other policies. However, Heinrich Boell Foundation president Barbara Unmuessig believes that without reforms, the Bank will not be able to effectively or fairly alter the course on global warming. Read more Press Clipping \| 3 November 2009 Feasibility contract for Shushufindi thermo project in Ecuador is to be awarded by end of November Output would help cover demand in Francisco de Orellana and Sucumbíos provinces as well as oil sector demand. Read more Update \| 3 November 2009 BICster co-authors chapter in book about hydropower in the Mekong region The recent publication "Contested Waterscapes in the Mekong Region" features a chapter co-authored by BIC Asia Program Manager Jelson Garcia. Read more Press Release \| 2 November 2009 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights examines impacts oflarge dams in Latin America Read more Update \| 30 October 2009 Over-priced Bujagali Dam to raise power costs With a price tag of $860 million and climbing, Bujagali is now amongst the most expensive hydropower plants in the world. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 October 2009 Ecuador President says rich world should pay poor countries not to pollute "Climate change has been produced principally by the rich countries, but it most affects the countries of the third world," President Rafael Correa said in London. Read more Press Clipping \| 26 October 2009 New project will divert waters from Huallaga and Marañón rivers to the Santa River basin The “Corina” megaproject will require a total investment of US$ 10 billion, to be provided by the central government and private capital sources. Read more Update \| 24 October 2009 World Bank Brazil Project Seeks to Automate & Integrate Environmental Licensing With funding from the World Bank, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment is planning to expedite and integrate the environmental licensing processes now divided between Federal, State and Local authoriteis. In an effort to speed up large infrastructure with the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), the move could lead to licensing regional of river basins. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 October 2009 IDB Loans $800 million for Venezuela hydroelectric power plant Venezuela and the Inter-American Development Bank on Tuesday signed the agreement for an $800 million loan to finance part of the Manuel Piar hydroelectric center, Finance Minister Ali Rodriguez said. Read more Press Clipping \| 21 October 2009 Fonam predicts investments in carbon market will reach US$ 1 billion this year On Wednesday, Fonam will host the IV International Carbon Market Seminar: Carbon Projects as a new business opportunity. The event is sponsored by the Minister of Environment, the UN Development Programme and and the World Bank Carbon Finance Unit. Read more Update \| 20 October 2009 Construction of hydroelectric projects in the Amazon should protect national interests Declaration of the Peruvian College of Engineers (CIP) published in El Comercio October 19 Read more Press Clipping \| 16 October 2009 Financial Times letter to the editor: Transparency is necessary for development The Financial Times printed a letter to the editor by Karin Lissakers of Revenue Watch Institute and Peter Rosenblum of Columbia University regarding an October 13 editorial, "Hazards of mining". The letter argues that a culture of secrecy in the Mining industry has undermined its development potential. Read more Press Clipping \| 15 October 2009 Crisis has hurt investment in renewables In Latin America, Brazil is the leader in the development of renewable energies, while nations like Mexico, Peru, Chile and Argentina are taking slow steps to change their energy mix. Read more Press Clipping \| 8 October 2009 Eletrobras considering partnership in 800 Mw hydroelectric project in Guyana At a ceremony in Roraima, Lula announced that Minister of Mines and Energy, Edison Lobao and president of the Brazilian National Development Bank (BNDES), Luciano Coutinho will meet in Guyana in October to discuss the matter with Guyanese president Bharrat Jagdeo. Read more Press Clipping \| 8 October 2009 Troy is burning: Who will benefit from the Inambari hydroelectric project? “It's difficult to say whether Inambari or the other dams will represent a benefit to Peru. What is evident is that the construction of large dams on Amazonian rivers will have enormous economic repercussions in terms of foreign debt, and obviously extreme social and environmental impacts. The truth is that we are obligated to reflect on these impacts before embarking on construction”, said Marc Dourojeanni, consultant to the IDB. Read more Press Clipping \| 8 October 2009 CIP accused of altering conclusions of Inambari forum Sociedad Civil por la Carretera Transoceánica (SOCIT) accused the College of Engineers of Peru (CIP) of altering the final conclusions of the Regional Forum “Construction of the Inambari Hydroelectric Station", organized and hosted by the college August 28 and 29. Read more Press Clipping \| 8 October 2009 Inambari Hydroelectric Station could be given permanent concession National congresswoman Susana Vilca warned that granting definitive concession to the Inambari Hyrdoelectric Station to EGASUR would be permanent, as stipulated in the Law of Electric Concessions. Definitive concessions for the development of electric projects are granted for unspecified periods of time. Read more Press Clipping \| 7 October 2009 Conclusions from the Regional Forum “Construction of the Inambari Hydroelectric Station” In the Regional Forum “Construction of the Inambari Hydroelectric Station” which took place August 28 and 29, the College of Engineers of Peru reached some critical conclusions surrounding the proposed hydroelectric project. Read more Press Clipping \| 7 October 2009 Belo Monte project will cost R$16 billion The estimate, which does not consider transmission, includes the provision of tax exemptions, the cost of training of the Special Purpose Company (SPC) and the cost of insurance. "This was the value quoted to TCU as the result of a study on investment optimization" says Mauricio Tolmasquim, president of EPE. Read more Press Clipping \| 7 October 2009 Belo Monte: little energy for many damages Disregard of environmental impacts, lack of foresight on how to compensate the families who will be impacted by the work, and overestimation of energy and jobs that will be generated. According to investigators, prosecutors and civil society organizations, these are just some of the flaws in the Environmental Impact Assessment of the hydroelectric plant of Belo Monte, planned for construction on the Xingu River. Read more Press Clipping \| 7 October 2009 Large companies eye Belo Monte Companies such as Vale, Votorantim, CSN and Alcoa evaluate possible partnership in the venture. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 September 2009 Peru: Environmental Clean-up not Complete, Say Achuar Communities Leaders of the Achuar people are challenging a decision by the Peruvian government to declare that a clean-up effort by the PlusPetrol oil company in the northeastern Amazon jungle has been completed. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 September 2009 Extension of Central Railroad will benefit projects of five mining companies The extension of the Central Railroad will benefit the investment projects of five mining companies. These companies, who anticipate an increase in production, say the train will facilitate transport of these products, according to the general manager of Cormin. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 September 2009 Natural gas reserves to be re-certified Camisea. The Ministry of Energy and Mining to hire a consultant. Natural gas reserve estimates have been updated since 2004, causing Congress to question a new certification. Read more Press Clipping \| 21 September 2009 Locals oppose Hunt Oil exploration After a meeting between representatives of Hunt Oil Company and eight native communities of the Amarakaeri Reserve, locals protested, voicing their definitive opposition to company's plans to carry out new drilling projects in the area. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 September 2009 World Bank spends billions on coal-fired power stations An article in The Times highlights the inconsistencies between the World Bank's continued finance of coal projects and the rhetoric in their recently released 2010 World Development Report on climate change. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 September 2009 Milpo could invest more than US$ 20 million in mining exploration projects in 2010 Mining company Milpo plans to invest more than $20 million in exploration of mineral deposits in Peru during 2010, according to general manager Abraham Chahuán. Read more Update \| 11 September 2009 World Bank pledges support for DRC's Grand Inga dam Observers, however, are skeptical that the proposed project presents a solution to Africa's energy problems and whether the millions of Africans without access to electricity stand to benefit. Read more Update \| 4 September 2009 DRC cancels contract in IFC-backed mining project DRC mining review process struck down the contract, citing issues such as non-payment of royalties and failure to adhere to an agreed timetable. Read more Update \| 3 September 2009 AfDB doubles lending in response to financial crisis The frontloading of resources in response to the crisis has nearly exhausted AfDB's lending capacity for 2010, as the Bank explores ways to sustain its lending levels. Meanwhile, its support for disastrous projects like the Gibe III Dam in Ethiopia highlights risks of a stronger AfDB. Read more Press Clipping \| 1 September 2009 Union halts construction of the Santo Antonio plant for 4 hours On Monday morning, from 5 to 9, representatives of the Union of Construction Workers of the State of Rondônia (Sticcero) blocked the gate of the construction site of the Santo Antônio plant, causing more than three miles of line on the access road in order to promote deliberative assembly with indications of a general strike. Read more Press Clipping \| 21 August 2009 Puno citizens question Inambari Hydroelectric Dam After watching a report by Foro TV about the ecological damage that would be caused by the construction of the Inambari dam to the areas around Puno, citizens expressed their concern and demanded that local officials assume a responsible position to confront this threat. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 August 2009 The Madeira hydroelectric complex can negatively affect the environment Brazil is building hydroelectric dams in the Amazon that some technicians and economists applaud while several environmentalists regret. It is worth the risk and investment? Read more Press Clipping \| 20 August 2009 Construction of Jirau and San Antonio dams change the life of the region An examination of how the hydroelectric plants of Jirau and Santo Antônio will impact the environment and the lives of Amazonian communities. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 August 2009 Peru will renegotiate the Camisea gas contract Peruvian government will negotiate directly with the companies. Specialists said they should also review the export tariffs. Read more Press Clipping \| 13 August 2009 Brazil, Peru mull new hydroelectric ventures Peru hopes the hydroelectric project will push the Amazon region into the 21st century, despite strong misgivings of conservationists and environmentalist groups. In that sense Peru's aspirations are similar to the hopes of Paraguay, which is already sharing an electricity generation project with Brazil. Read more Update \| 13 August 2009 Inambari: the Brazilian Hydroelectric Dam Read more Press Clipping \| 13 August 2009 Oil Exploration in Northern La Paz Divides Indigenous Organizations Read more Press Clipping \| 13 August 2009 Ecuador dismantles illegal Peruvian logging camp near Yasuni Read more Press Clipping \| 13 August 2009 Advantages and disadvantages of Inambari Hydro Project analyzed Read more Press Clipping \| 9 August 2009 Legal Counsel demanded for communities affected by Inambari Dam Read more Press Clipping \| 7 August 2009 Discontent with construction of the Inambari Hydroelectric Project The project of constructing the Inambari mega-hydroelectric dam is generating discontent in the various affected communities in the province of Carabaya, who demand respect for the lands dedicated to agriculture. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 July 2009 Leader says that isolated indigenous people will be harmed by hydroelectic dams of Madeira The first indigenous woman elected leader and educator of the people Sagarana in Rondônia, Eva Canoe, said the construction of hydroelectric dams in the Madeira river, in Rondônia, will affect at least four indigenous peoples that still live in voluntary isolation in the region. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 July 2009 Lula to announce PAC II in 2010 The government is currently preparing the new project portfolio that will be offered to domestic and foreign investors; and it will prioritize investments in sectors such as energy, transport, sanitation, housing, rail, waterways and urban logistics. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 July 2009 Continued resilience: Regional Report Latin America One way to stem this rising tide, said ministers, would be for Latin American countries to "increase public infrastructure integration to reduce transport and energy costs in order to make their economies more competitive." Read more Update \| 28 July 2009 The assertion that the Madeira Complex will not have impacts in Bolivia is only a Brazilian speech While the hydroelectric plants of Jirau and Santo Antonio in the Madeira river begin their construction, Bolivian organizations and institutes following the projects say that the negative impacts generated by the two dams will be felt not only in Brazilian territory, but also in Bolivia. Read more Update \| 28 July 2009 Environmental licenses for San Antonio and Jirau hydroelectric dams open discussions Environmental organizations have mobilized against licensing of Santo Antônio and Jirau hydroelectric dams Read more Update \| 24 July 2009 US Treasury position on the World Bank Energy Strategy Concept Note The US Department of Treasury released a statement on July 16, 2009 describing their position on the recent World Bank Energy Strategy Concept Note. The Concept Note outlines the World Bank's forthcoming Energy Strategy Approach Paper, which should be released in August, 2009. Read more Update \| 20 July 2009 Peru renegotiating the canon contracts for Camisea The contract permits the export of gas at a price that is lower than the gas directed to the local market. The Government has initiated a new request to renegotiate the contracts and also seeking to limit the gas from Lot 88 for domestic use only. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 July 2009 Over $1 Billion in funding available for oil exploration in Northern La Paz The Society formed by GTLI y Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales awaiting an environmental license and Petroandina has entered the phase of seismic studies. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 July 2009 Camisea and Peru LNG: conflict of interests A little known fact is that the majority owners of Lot 88 and Lot 56, which produce gas from Camisea, as well as the hydrocarbon liquids, are the same majority owners of the Peru LNG consortium, which is the entity that buys the Camisea gas and exports it. Read more Press Clipping \| 10 July 2009 Ashaninka communities of the Peru Ene Valley resist Pakitzapango Dam The Ashaninka communities of the Ene Valley, in the districts of Rio Tambo and Pango, Province of Satipo, Junin, Peru, gathered together to celebrate the XIII ordinary Congress of their representative organisation, Central Ashaninka del Rio Ene (CARE), in the community of Pichiquia on the 24th-26th of April 2009 in order to debate the threat of the current project for the construction of the Pakitzapango hydroelectric dam. Read more Press Clipping \| 10 July 2009 5o Brazilian firms awaiting green light Hydroelectric dams, Biofuels, Hydrocarbons top the list. A business delegation is programmed for the second semester of 2009 to explore biofuel investment opportunities. Read more Update \| 10 July 2009 Camisea canon impact falls short The increase in infrastructure investment does not represent a substantial impact in terms of poverty reduction among the affected populations of the Camisea Natural Gas Extraction Project in Cusco, Peru. This was one of the primary conclusions of a study conducted by Propuesta Ciudadana, with the support of Oxfam America, Bank Information Center and World Resources Institute. Read more Press Clipping \| 9 July 2009 Environmental lawsuits filed against Madeira dam projects Civil lawsuits have been filed against Brazil’s environment institute for ignoring environmental concerns when issuing licences to allow the construction of two dams on the Amazon’s Madeira River. Read more Press Clipping \| 6 July 2009 Suez acclerates Jirau works and negotiates the exit of Camargo Correa Brazilian firm has six months to sell its 9.99% share of the project. Read more Press Clipping \| 6 July 2009 Congressional Deputy Susana Vilca: Inambari should not damage the environment Puno Congressional leader, Susana Vilca Achata, stated that the Inambari Hydroelectric Project will negatively affect that Southern Interoceanic Highway and native peoples, and therefore the private Brazilian contractor, Amazonas Sur, should reformulate the design of the project. Read more Update \| 2 July 2009 IIRSA forum of strategic reflection - chronicle of a death foretold Reflections about the conference on IIRSA Read more Update \| 1 July 2009 Civil society demands suspension of Madeira Dams Numerous irregularities cited in environmental licensing process for the San Antonio & Jirau dams Read more Update \| 30 June 2009 Is the Clean Technology Fund benefiting the poor or simply satisfying the energy needs of the rich? The World Bank approves loans for renewable energy in southern countries while making sure Europe meets its energy goals. Read more Update \| 30 June 2009 Civil society organizations challenge IDB commitments to development results and sustainability As member countries assess the 9th replenishment proposal advanced by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on July 2 in Santiago, Chile, eight civil society organizations submitted recommendations on leadership steps the IDB should take in several critical areas before qualifying for any capital increase. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. Read more Update \| 28 June 2009 IFC & Climate: When the learning curve is long After an abrupt about-face, an agency frets about its footprint Read more Update \| 27 June 2009 REDD:Peru-ving REDD: Lessons from Peru for Combating Deforestation One of the key issues in Copenhagen climate change negotiations in December will be the creation of an international superstructure to provide incentives, and ultimately payments, to combat deforestation in tropical countries. As delegates from around the world gathered in Bonn last week to discuss the so-called "REDD issue" (e.g., reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation), violence erupted in the rainforests of Peru between indigenous groups and the government about plans to step up oil and gas exploration, mining, and logging in the Amazon. Read more Update \| 22 June 2009 Understanding Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) The increasingly important topic of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) was recently discussed among civil society organizations in Bogota, Colombia. Participants in the event discussed the ways in which the SEAs can be most effective and how to overcome certain challenges in applying the SEAs to certain projects. Infrastructure and sustainable development topics are also covered in this SEA bulletin. Read more Update \| 19 June 2009 Peruvian congress votes 82 – 12 to repeal two controversial laws Government urged to drop criminal charges against indigenous leaders and allow independent investigation into violent incidents in Bagua, Peru Read more Update \| 16 June 2009 Questions on hydroelectric power plants in the Peruvian Amazon Region Negotiations are underway for the construction of six hydroelectric power plants in the Peruvian Amazon Region in a joint initiative of Alan Garcia and Lula da Silva. Serious inquires about the nature of the intiative and its implications for the region are not resolved which signals further problems. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 May 2009 Belo Monte dam could displace 19,000 persons Brasilian Mega-dam EIA under review Read more Press Clipping \| 29 May 2009 Peru: energy crisis and the failure of the free market Camisea not resolving Peru's domestic energy needs Read more Update \| 27 May 2009 Rio Madeira - Hydroelectric Dam will impact the Northern Bolivian Amazon Crown Jewel of the IIRSA Project Portfolio Under Scrutiny in Bolivia and Brazil Read more Press Clipping \| 25 May 2009 IDB funded Brazilian Thermal-Electric Plant to use Carbon Capture Technology The new plant should start operating in 2012. It should have a capacity for generation of 720 megawatts (MW) of energy. The project also counts on financial investment by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), equivalent to 1 billion reais (US$ 490 million). Read more Press Clipping \| 25 May 2009 PetroPeru says Indigenous protests causing fuel shortages in Peru State-owned oil company Petroperu said Sunday protests organized by Indians in Peru’s Amazon region were causing fuel shortages in several jungle cities. Read more Update \| 23 May 2009 Ecuadorean Hydroelectric Project: Coca Codo Sinclair Opens Review Period Comment period on draft EIA between May 30 and June 3 Read more Update \| 22 May 2009 Scientists agree on the need for energy alternatives in Amazon Two day conference underscores the need for improvements in the quality of social, environmental and economic evaluation, as well as the search for energy alternatives. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 May 2009 Peru: Camisea has not guaranteed enough energy to sustain growth Read more Press Clipping \| 21 May 2009 Jirau dam cost overruns predicted to be 60% Unexplained revisions by the Consortium building the Jirau hydroelectric dam (part of the Rio Madeira complex) to the design of the initial project that was auctioned one year ago are expected to increase the overall project costs by 60% Read more Press Clipping \| 21 May 2009 Studies for Cachuela Esperanza dam ready in five months Consultant Tecsult-Aecom along with ENDE, Bolivia's National Electricity Company, are in the final phases of the feasibility and design process for the proposed hydroelectric project, Cachuela Esperanza, which is expected to conclude in October, 2009 Read more Press Clipping \| 20 May 2009 Electrobras offers $US 16 bn to build six dams in Peruvian Amazon Lula and Garcia advance plans to expand hydroelectric integration. Read more Press Clipping \| 11 May 2009 Bloodletting in Narino - Ties to IIRSA Amazonas Corridor Read more Press Clipping \| 10 May 2009 Energy conflict and cooperation in South America Despite widespread cross-border problems, South America has more than its fair share of major bilateral hydro schemes. Itaipu remains one of the region’s largest hydro ventures, but what other schemes are on the cards? Read more Update \| 7 May 2009 Peru holds public hearings on 2,000 MW Inambari dam Peru is rushing to hold superficial public meetings to inform the public about plans to build the fifth largest hydroelectric dam in Latin America. Read more Press Clipping \| 2 May 2009 Inambari hydroelectric dam will be 5th largest in Latin America The feasibility study for Peru's largest hydroelectric dam nears completion and public hearings will begin in 2009. Brazilian financing for the dam will likely result the first in a series of jointly funded hydroelectric projects in Peru that provide energy to Brazil Read more Update \| 1 May 2009 Indigenous peoples of Guiana Shield agree on action plan Read more Press Clipping \| 1 May 2009 Indigenous leaders of the Guianas meet in Georgetown Read more Press Clipping \| 29 April 2009 Lula and Alan García agree to the construction of six hydroelectric projects in the Amazon After a meeting between the two leaders, Lula and Garcia agreed to the construction of six hydroelectric projects which symbolizes stronger relations between the two countries. Read more Press Clipping \| 27 April 2009 The FI-FGTS will become a shareholder of the Madeira river complex In a time when the financial market is lacking credit, the fund for investment in infrastructure which derives its resources from the FGTS (FI-FGTS) will contribute R$ 1,640 billion in financing to the construction of the San Antonio hydroelectric plant in the Madeira river, and become a shareholder of the consortium. Read more Press Clipping \| 27 April 2009 Santander sells part of its share in the consortium of the Madeira river Complex Santander sold half of its shares in the consortium building the San Antonio Hydroelectric Plant in the Madeira River to the FI-FGTS (Investment Fund FGTS) Read more Update \| 22 April 2009 IFC's role in Yemen mining Trends in the relationship between World Bank and IFC technical assistance policies and the IFC’s investment portfolio raise questions over possible conflicts of interest. Disclosure at the IFC remains opaque, making details of projects and policies hard to come by. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 April 2009 Bolivia ratified its concern about the impact of dams being built by Brazil Read more Update \| 6 April 2009 World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility meeting in Panama Read highlights from the 2nd Participants Committee Meeting of the FCPF, at which BIC served as an NGO observer. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 March 2009 The Red Sea might save the Dead Sea The World Bank continues to commission feasibility studies for the proposed Red/Dead Sea Canal, but environmental and political issues remain major issues. Read more Update \| 2 March 2009 Kenyan indigenous groups file complaint with AfDB on Ethiopian dam Requestors argue that the Gibe III Dam is set to deplete Lake Turkana with dramatic impacts on downstream communities in Kenya, and in the absence of public consultation. Read more Update \| 20 February 2009 IFC approves offshore oil projects in Ghana despite serious outstanding concerns Civil society requests for a delay go unanswered as the project is approved in the absence of an environmental impact assessment and amid significant transparency and governance issues. Read more Update \| 10 February 2009 Declaration of the Coordinator of the Amazon Basin Indigenous Peoples Organization (COICA) The Amazon Basin Indigenous Peoples Organization (COICA) with our worldview, diversity of languages, history, cultures, spirituality, territory, economy, have existed since before recorded time. We have adopted different forms of organization and identity under the framework of the nation states which have established laws and regulations according to their own interests, not recognizing the ancestral rights of the first inhabitants of the amazon region. Read more Update \| 3 February 2009 World Social Forum 2009 For the 2009 World Social Forum (WSF), a group composed of various organizations is organizing a two day workshop for updates and strategy building to inform, discuss, plan and act in defense of the rights of affected populations and the environment. The organizations are working to prevent and/or mitigate any type of social and environmental negative impacts caused by the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) and other harmful development strategies. Read more Press Clipping \| 1 January 2009 Land conflicts continue in Rondonia The state of Rondonia, Brazil is subject to ongoing land conflicts between large land owners, small farmers and the state. The proposed hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River and the promise of jobs will only accelerate uncontrolled migration to the region. Weak governance results in frequent, violent confrontations over natural resource use. Read more Update \| 29 December 2008 New book by INESC - Financing for Megaprojects A new book of articles edited by Ricardo Verdum of the Brazilian Instituto de Estudio Socioeconomicos (Inesc) explores the trends in financing for megaprojects in South America. The book highlights the shifting balance between IFIs such as the World Bank, the IDB and CAF toward new institutions such as BNDES, as well as the competition between IIRSA and UNASUR. The book emphasizes the urgency for greater transparency and accountability in information and decision making about large, high risk infrastructure in the region. Read more Update \| 26 December 2008 Colombia issues environmental license for Pasto Mocoa highway IDB Loan Approval Set for early 2009: The $200 million road project in Putumayo, Colombia is an anchor project for the IIRSA Amazonas Corridor and will unlock commercial traffic between the ports of Tumaco and Belem, as well as between Bogota and Quito. Read more Press Clipping \| 24 December 2008 Madeira dam operator responsible for massive fish kill The Madeira Energy S/A (Mesa) business consortium, responsible for the construction of the Santo Antônio 3,100 MW hydroelectric dam, the first of several mega-dams planned for the Madeira in the Brazilian state of Rondônia, was fined R$ 7,7 million ($US 3.3 million) by the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama) as a penalty for their responsibility in the ecological accidente that resulted in the death of 11 tons of fish. Read more Press Clipping \| 24 December 2008 IHT: Guyana lacks funds for important roads to Brazil, Venezuela The Inter American Development Bank set aside more than $900,000 to conduct a feasibility study into the road linking Guyana with Brazil. Read more Update \| 23 December 2008 IFC pledges to increase commitment as mining sector is hit by economic downturn and low demand Meanwhile, IFC mining investments in Guinea face uncertainty after the government revoked half of the IFC-backed Simandou concession, and over the future of the massive Guinea Alumina Project as Guinea's president dies. Read more Update \| 23 December 2008 Update on Oct. 30 Madeira bilateral technical commission meeting The October meeting between the Brazilian and Bolivian bilerateral technical commission on the Madeira Hydroelectric Dam and related projects focused on new technical research related to the cross-border health effects of the project. Read more Update \| 22 December 2008 Hydroelectric projects in Chile and Brazil Read more Update \| 19 December 2008 $5 billion in World Bank loans in the works for South Africa’s power utility African Development Bank also contributing record loans to address power shortage. Read more Update \| 19 December 2008 IFC convenes conference to encourage greater mining investment in the MENA region Meanwhile, the IFC’s advisory services in revising the region's mining policies reinforce concerns over the lack of transparency of these types of operations. Read more Update \| 18 December 2008 West African Gas Pipeline comes online at last Meanwhile, people displaced by the project finally receive monetary compensation, nearly four years after being impoverished through a resettlement process that denied them the option of the land compensation they were entitled to. Read more Press Release \| 3 December 2008 Uganda dam slammed by World Bank appeals body Bujagali deal full of risk for one of world’s poorest countries. Read more Press Release \| 18 November 2008 IMF and World Bank need to bolster transparency measures in the extractive industries A newly released joint report between Bank Information Center (BIC) and Global Witness critically assesses the World Bank Group's and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) success in increasing transparency in extractive industries in resource-rich countries. Read more Press Release \| 27 October 2008 Six months after audit report IFC remains out of compliance at Karachaganak Six months after the Office of Compliance, Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) found the IFC out of compliance with its own regulations for toxic emissions at the Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field in western Kazakhstan, the case remains open with the CAO because the IFC has failed to bring into compliance significant failures in the IFC’s environmental monitoring of activities at the Karachaganak field. Read more Update \| 27 October 2008 IFC payment disclosures revisited The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) website on extractive industries government payment disclosure has made progress, but certain gaps in data availability remain. Read more Update \| 14 October 2008 International Rivers releases new report on dam building in Laos International Rivers has just released a new report "Power Surge," which chronicles the social and environmental debt created by a boom in hydropower development in Laos. Read more Update \| 24 September 2008 Dramatic increase in World Bank loans to Europe and Central Asia The World Bank Group (WBG) loans to countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) increased by 30% between FY07 and FY08. Read more Update \| 19 September 2008 EBRD approves Pechora Energy Project in Komi Republic The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a US$50 million loan for expansion of oil and gas extraction operations in the Timan-Pechora basin of the northern Komi Republic in Russia. Various civil society groups have raised concerns of the major project's implications for the environment and the indigenous Komi-Izhemts people's rights. Read more Update \| 18 September 2008 Additional challenges for the BTC Pipeline Following the August 25 reopening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline after the armed conflict in Georgia, the BTC has faced several technical and strategic issues when it comes to its future and viability. Read more Update \| 12 September 2008 World Bank announces withdrawal from Chad-Cameroon Pipeline after early repayment The World Bank’s request amounts to an admission of failure in one of its most controversial and disastrous projects – once touted as a “model” for high-risk projects - after the Chadian government repeatedly used its newfound oil wealth in contravention of its agreements to invest in poverty reduction. Read more Press Release \| 21 August 2008 Global civil society calls for private banks to withdraw support from Bangladesh coal mine Over 100 civil society groups from 31 countries are calling on financial backers to withdraw their support from the the controversial Phulbari Coal Project in Bangladesh. The project will displace over 200,000 people, impoverish farming households and cause immense environmental impacts in one of the most fertile regions of Bangladesh. Despite these factors, according to information available on its website, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) remains interested in financing the project after having distanced itself from it earlier this year. Read more Update \| 20 August 2008 Banks active in extractive projects in Russia’s Komi Republic IFI involvement in mining and oil projects in the Timan-Pechora basin raises environmental and social concerns. Read more Update \| 19 August 2008 Bretton Woods institutions send mixed messages about China’s role in Africa Since the Chinese economy has taken off and it has increasingly looked to Africa to provide raw materials, the World Bank and IMF have been confronted with the question of how to respond. Recent statements by the institutions have shown that these responses are careful and at times contradictory. Read more Update \| 14 August 2008 Possible World Bank role in Azerbaijan’s privatization corruption James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank president, may have assisted a corrupt businessman seeking control of Azerbaijan’s state oil company. Read more Update \| 14 August 2008 Available company data for IFC required disclosures The International Finance Corporation (IFC) fails to provide adequate links to government payment disclosures by its extractive industry clients. Read more Update \| 11 August 2008 IFC considers record mining investment in Guinea as its Simandou concession comes under dispute The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) $35 million investment in a Guinea iron mine is in jeopardy after the government rescinded a deal with mining company, Rio Tinto. At the same time, the IFC is exploring the possibility of a $500 million stake in a massive aluminum project in the West African country. Read more Update \| 11 August 2008 Turkmenistan’s pipeline prospects: China, Russia, India, or Europe? As the great powers seek energy security, Turkmenistan is at the center of a number of pipeline proposals. Read more Update \| 7 August 2008 Explosion along the BTC Pipeline confirms civil society concerns A fire on the Turkish segment of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline has led to declined oil production, pipeline closure, and security fears. Read more Press Release \| 5 August 2008 World Bank acknowledges serious flaws in West African Gas Pipeline But questions on compensation for displaced, “upstream” impacts, and gas flaring remain unanswered. Read more Update \| 23 July 2008 World Bank’s lending for fossil fuel skyrockets as it positions itself as the “climate bank” As the World Bank prepares to launch two new climate investment funds at the upcoming G8 summit, and positions itself as the "climate bank," new statistics developed by the Bank Information Center show that the World Bank's private sector arm, the International Financial Corporation (IFC), increased its lending for fossil fuel projects by a staggering 165% in FY2008. Taken as a whole, the World Bank Group increased its fossil-fuel lending by 60% in the same period. Read more Update \| 17 July 2008 IMF working group drafts guidelines for sovereign wealth funds On July 9-10, 2008, the International Monetarty Funds’s (IMF) Working Group on Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) held a two-day meeting in Singapore to address concerns around SWFs and consider possible guidelines. Read more Update \| 17 July 2008 EIB expands its operations to Central Asia Europe’s pursuit of new energy routes has helped secure Central Asia’s eligibility for funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), leading to concerns about further extractive industry financing in the region. Read more Update \| 14 July 2008 Sakhalin II receives funding for second phase On June 16, 2008, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) agreed to loan up to $3.7 billion for the controversial oil and gas project in Russia. Read more Update \| 2 July 2008 Election controversy raises questions for Mongolia’s mining sector July riots signal the importance of transparency and responsible revenue management for Mongolia’s political stability. Read more Update \| 1 July 2008 BIC's new handbook for advocacy on extractive industry revenues Bank Information Center has recently released it's new "Handbook for Advocacy on Extractive Industry Revenues: Good Practices and the IMF’s Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency." Read more Update \| 24 June 2008 Bota Foundation established The Bota Foundation, administered by the World Bank, held its first Board of Trustees meeting in June. Read more Update \| 23 June 2008 World Bank continues to push African hydro despite concerns over vulnerability to climate change World Bank involvement in the proposed Inga and Kafue dams has brought criticism over the continued reliance on hydro in a warming world, and intentions to power foreign mining companies. Read more Update \| 21 June 2008 Newmont prepares mining operations in Ghana forest reserve As Newmont, the world's largest mining company prepares for gold mining operations in Ghana, civil society groups challenge the purported benefits for local communities. Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has come under fire for the environmental and social legacies of its gold mining investments in Ghana and its plans proceed to begin the next phase of Newmont's controversial Ahafo gold project. Read more Update \| 10 June 2008 Lukoil and Gazprom strike oil in the Caspian Sea Russian oil and gas companies Gazprom and Lukoil discovered a major oil and gas condensate deposit in the Caspian Sea. The deposit will be developed along with Kazakhstan. Read more Update \| 10 June 2008 Kazakhstan signs BTC agreement into law, plans new pipelines Kazakhstan has signed into law a 2006 agreement to transport oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, while making plans to connect its oil to the BTC route through additional domestic and trans-Caspian pipelines. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Azerbaijan Country Update #14 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Kazakhstan Country Update #16 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Kyrgyz Republic Country Update #5 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the Kyrgyz Republic. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Mongolia Country Update #2 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Georgia Country Update #1 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Georgia. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Russia Country Update #1 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Russia. Read more Press Release \| 30 April 2008 IFC out of compliance at Karachaganak oil field In a recently released audit report, the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Office of Compliance, Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) has found that the IFC is out of compliance with safety standards for toxic emissions at the giant Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field in western Kazakhstan. Read more Update \| 15 April 2008 IFC provides information on payments from extractive industry projects In response to requests from the Bank Information Center (BIC) and other civil society organizations, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has begun providing links to where IFC extractive industry clients disclose their payments to host governments. Read more Press Release \| 4 April 2008 ADB pulls out of controversial coal project in Bangladesh The Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Private Sector Operations Department, Robert Bestani, notified the Bank’s Board of Directors last week that it will take the Phulbari Coal Project in Bangladesh out of the Bank’s funding pipeline. Read more Update \| 3 April 2008 Controversial EIB-backed mining project in the Congo to face contract renegotiation DRC mining contract commission to push for a greater share in the Tenke Fungurume mining concession, one of the largest copper-cobalt deposits in the world. Critics charge that EIB's investment in the highly contested project before the conclusion of the contract review was "irresponsible." Read more Update \| 2 April 2008 East Africa dam to face delays; vulnerability to drought raises questions over project’s viability The World Bank is considering financing a hydroelectric dam between Burundi and Tanzania that would boost mining production in East Africa. But in an area prone to drought, particularly with the onset of climate change, questions remain about the project's sustainability and whether it will be worth the projected $190 million cost. Read more Update \| 28 March 2008 Growing foreign appetite for Brazilian land As wealthy local and foreign investors purchase more and more Brazilian land, wuestions over how to contain rising land prices emerge. Read more Update \| 6 March 2008 President of Chad nullifies World Bank agreement to grab oil money and crack down on opponents As a significant rebel threat to his government appears to recede, Chadian President Idriss Deby has clamped down on political opponents and bypassed controls established by an agreement with the World Bank to redirect oil revenues for military use. Read more Update \| 3 March 2008 ADB backs Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Following similar announcements by other multilateral development banks, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) last week endorsed the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Read more Update \| 26 February 2008 Analysis of implementation of revenue transparency commitments of IFC and EBRD loans Read the preliminary assessment of the implementation of project level revenue transparency commitments for the extractive industry projects financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Read more Update \| 13 February 2008 Iraq renews $744 million loan from the IMF Iraq’s renewed Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) includes macroeconomic policy reforms that may restrict fiscal space for public spending, particularly on the public wage bill. It also continues the deep involvement of international financial institutions in Iraq’s oil sector. Read more Update \| 11 February 2008 Campaign to stop EBRD Bautino II project in Kazakhstan Kashagan Oil Field threatens local livelihoods, health, and endangered species. Read more Update \| 7 February 2008 Zambia to revise “unfair and unbalanced” mining tax rates set by World Bank While the World Bank has expressed its support for the move, calling the new fiscal regime "more equitable," critics counter that the Bank was responsible for insisting on rock-bottom tax rates in 1998 that have deprived the government of much-needed revenue as copper prices soared. Read more Update \| 4 February 2008 Zoellick commits to expanding Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Addressing the African Union Summit on Thursday, January 31, 2008, World Bank President Zoellick committed to expanding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Read more Update \| 31 January 2008 Nabucco Pipeline starts technical planning while considerations for seventh partner remain After several delays, the gas pipeline project is expected to enter into initial constuction phase in 2009 amid civil society concerns over environmental and social impacts. Read more Update \| 17 January 2008 World Bank, EIB to release funds for Bujagali Dam as investigations into safeguard violations continue Construction of the dam proceeds despite an ongoing investigation into claims presented by civil society groups that the project violates environmental and social standards of both the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Read more Update \| 18 December 2007 West Africa Gas Pipeline to start operations by year’s end World Bank's Inspection Panel expected to submit findings of its investigation into claims made by local communities that the project violated the Bank's environmental and social policies. Read more Update \| 14 November 2007 Government panel to recommend cancellation or renegotiation of over 60 mining contracts in DRC Leaked report lists IFC-sponsored Kalukundi concession among contracts recommended for renegotiation. Read more Update \| 14 November 2007 IFC maintains “clear development benefits” result from its African mining investments The claim runs contrary to a recent report which found that over 40 percent of IFC projects implemented between 1996 and 2006 failed to deliver positive development results. Read more Update \| 14 November 2007 BHP Billiton eyes Congo's Inga dam complex to power new $3 bn aluminum smelter According to Bloomberg, the plant would require the use of up to two-thirds of the dam's output. The World Bank previously indicated that it may be willing to support the expansion of the dam. Read more Press Release \| 12 November 2007 Press release: Taman tries the taste of oil Guilt for the environmental catastrophe in the Strait of Kerch lies with the authorities in Russia and Ukraine, as well as with the companies transporting dangerous cargo Read more Update \| 7 November 2007 NGO coalition calls for release of report on mining contracts in the DRC A coalition of non-governmental organisations from Europe, North America, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched an international appeal today demanding the publication of the final report of the ministerial commission on the review of mining contracts without delay. Read more Country Update \| 1 November 2007 Mongolia Country Update #1 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. Read more Update \| 14 October 2007 IDB to invest US$1.5 billion in Ecuador's PetroEcuador In it's first major petrochemical investment since Peru’s Camisea Natural Gas project, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will likely loan US$1.5 billion to Ecuador to help the country's state-owned oil company PetroEcuador. Read more Update \| 4 October 2007 AfDB approves funding for controversial Tenke mine in the DRC The African Development Bank (AfDB) will contribute $100 million despite ongoing review into alleged irregularities associated with mining concession contract. Read more Update \| 25 September 2007 AfDB approves largest ever private investment in South Africa’s utility giant, Eskom The African Development Bank's $500 million loan to support Eskom's expansion raises the question of whether it wields sufficient leverage to ensure adherence to its social and environmental safeguards. Read more Update \| 24 September 2007 Europeans commit to Nabucco pipeline In an effort to reduce dependence on Russian gas, the European Union endorses the development of the Nabucco gas pipeline. Read more Country Update \| 24 September 2007 Kazakhstan Country Update #15 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. Read more Country Update \| 24 September 2007 Azerbaijan Country Update #13 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. Read more Update \| 24 September 2007 IFC continues push for Africa’s minerals Proposed copper-cobalt and gold projects re-enforce civil society's misgivings about the International Finance Corporation's commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Read more Press Release \| 6 September 2007 Groups urge World Bank to strengthen guidelines for controversial mining projects Major weaknesses found in IFC’s environmental, health standards Read more Update \| 27 August 2007 Bujagali dam continues to make headlines Although construction of the controversial hydropower project in Uganda began last week, debate continues over the dam's design, cost and impacts. A recent article in the Baltimore Sun provides details. Read more Update \| 23 August 2007 NPR covers Bujagali dam controversy Last week, National Public Radio's Morning Edition broadcast a story on the debate surrounding the World Bank-financed Bujagali dam in Uganda. Read more Update \| 23 August 2007 Prospect of profits is making more MENA governments see 'green', says World Bank A recent article by the World Bank applauds governments in MENA for increasing investment in environmental protection. While the World Bank is encouraging MENA countries to decrease their carbon emissions, it continues to finance extractive industry projects in the region. This apparent contradiction is just one of several reasons to take a closer look at the Bank's recent coverage of the 'greening' of MENA. Read more Update \| 17 August 2007 World Bank Group fails to ensure revenue transparency BIC's new assessment reviews EI operations in more than 40 countries for the lending period of July 2005 to December 2006. Read more Update \| 17 August 2007 ADB's Energy Strategy must adhere to international standards The Asian Development Bank has completed the consultation process on its draft Energy Strategy. Civil society organizations from throughout the region have called on the ADB to incorporate current international best practices in sector, and at minimum to adopt the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Read more Update \| 16 August 2007 Reflecting Africa-wide trend, China emerges as key investor in Chad China's "no-strings-attached" investments in Africa appear to many a welcome alternative to the conditional loans offered by the World Bank and IMF. But what consequences will China's growing involvement on the continent have for Africans? Read more Update \| 1 August 2007 World Bank to trade carbon credits for forest preservation The Bank's $250 million Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will offer some nations carbon credits in exchange for preserving their forests. The fund is anticipated to launch in December. Read more Update \| 20 July 2007 EIB approves DR Congo mining project despite ongoing government review The European Investment Bank this week approved €100 million ($130 million) for the controversial Tenke Fungurume mining project, despite calls from civil society for public lenders to await the outcome of an ongoing examination of 60 mining contracts. Read more Update \| 20 July 2007 IFI Extractive and Energy Project Spreadsheets Find out what extractive industry (oil, gas, mining) and energy projects the international financial institutions (IFIs) are financing in your country. Read more Update \| 19 July 2007 Controversy in Egypt over discounted gas to Spain Sale of gas from EIB-financed LNG plant in Egypt at discount prices raises questions about who benefited from the deal. Read more Update \| 13 July 2007 Chevron's Nigeria pipeline under investigation World Bank-backed project to receive Inspection Panel visit. Read more Update \| 11 July 2007 Civil society organizations call for public lenders to respect DR Congo mining contract review Critics argue that OPIC's expected investment in the Tenke Fungurume mine appears to prejudge the outcomes of the ongoing government review process. Read more Update \| 5 July 2007 IFC investment in Africa tops $1 billion Plans to scale up investments in mining, large infrastructure, and private education raises concerns among civil society groups skeptical of the IFC's commitment to development. Read more Update \| 15 June 2007 IMF predicts DR Congo to "reap the benefit" of its mineral wealth Critics contend that even with the upcoming review of 60 mining contracts signed during the war and by the interim government, the Congolese stand to benefit little. Read more Update \| 15 June 2007 Controversy surrounding Bujagali dam persists as Lake Victoria crisis continues Just weeks after the World Bank Group approved $360 million in loans and guarantees for the Bujagali Hydroelectric Dam, the project is again in the news following renewed debate over the crisis facing Lake Victoria. Read more Update \| 14 June 2007 Bank to pilot carbon fund for avoided deforestation The World Bank is preparing to announce a new $250 million fund aimed at using carbon finance to reduce emissions from deforestation. According to recent news reports, world leaders have encouraged the Bank to move forward with plans to create a Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), which would leverage private investor money and donor contributions to help countries develop strategies for avoiding forest degradation and secure payment for forest-related emissions reduction, through the creation of tradable carbon credits. Read more Update \| 12 June 2007 World Bank ‘sees green’ in G8 declaration While NGOs express disappointment at the G8’s failure to take any bold steps on climate change during the recent summit in Heligendamm, Germany, the World Bank has praised the meeting outcomes and applauded the emphasis on market mechanisms to combat climate change. Read more Update \| 7 June 2007 ADB Releases Draft Energy Strategy The Asian Development Bank released a draft of its proposed Energy Strategy on May 28 for a sixty day comment period ending July 27, 2007. Civil society groups will engage with ADB but want to see more iterations of draft. Read more Update \| 5 June 2007 2007 Annual Meetings of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held its Annual Governors Meeting in Kazan, Russia May 20-21, 2007. The NGO Programme organized by the Bank attracted a large array of civil society organizations from Russia and abroad. While many questions were left unanswered by the Bank, NGOs succeeded in raising issues of critical importance to civil society in Russia and elsewhere. Read more Update \| 14 May 2007 Ghanaian CSOs call for greater control over mining companies Local groups argue that the controversial IFC-sponsored Ahafo gold mine seriously threatens the environment and livelihoods. Read more Update \| 27 April 2007 World Bank gives green light to controversial Bujagali Dam in Uganda Bank approves $360 million financing package for dam on Victoria Nile despite concerns about climate change, environmental impacts and cost. Read more Update \| 27 April 2007 World Bank takes stock of its strategy in Africa The World Bank produced a progress report on its Africa Action Plan in advance of the Spring Meetings in Washington, DC earlier this month. How has the Bank measured up to its commitments, and what should Africa expect moving forward? Read more Update \| 26 April 2007 World Bank deputy attempted to omit references to climate change World Bank Managing Director, Juan Jose Daboub, apparently tried to delete the words "climate change" from the institution's main environmental strategy paper, reports the Financial Times. Read more Update \| 26 April 2007 Civil society responds to WB approval of financing for Bujagali In a press release following yesterday's decision, NGOs accuse the Bank of ignoring inconvenient truths about climate change, hydrology and fisheries. They warn the project may threaten Lake Victoria and leave the majority of Ugandans in the dark. Read more Update \| 18 April 2007 World Bank has split personality on global warming The World Bank Group's pledge to reduce greenhouse gases rings hollow as the organization increases assistance for the development of fossil fuels. Read more Update \| 16 April 2007 Environmental groups release new "non-completion" report on Chad-Cameroon pipeline Report highlights disrepancies between conclusions of the World Bank and the official project monitors. Read more Update \| 13 April 2007 Impact of Chad-Cameroon project on local population worse than expected The World Bank-backed Chad-Cameroon pipeline is once again in the news - this time following the release of a new report which documents the heavy toll that oil development has taken on the local population in southern Chad. Read more Update \| 13 April 2007 Inspection Panel to investigate policy violations in West Africa Gas Pipeline Investigation to focus on issues of compensation, safety, livelihood impacts, and gas flaring Read more Update \| 13 April 2007 World Bank dialogue suggests potential support for controversial Cameroon dam Civil society remains concerned about limited public participation and energy planning, risks to Chad-Cameroon pipeline and forest reserves, and expectations that the dam would serve industrial interests. Read more Update \| 12 April 2007 Investors hold roundtable to discuss Inga Dam Many remain skeptical that the proposed project represents a solution to Africa’s energy woes Read more Update \| 29 March 2007 Anti-corruption advocate endorses renegotiation of Zambia’s mining contracts Eva Joly encourages Zambian parliamentarians to demand greater revenues so that the country could benefit from its lucrative copper industry Read more Update \| 14 March 2007 IFC to double number of mining investments in Africa Taking advantage of rising commodity prices, the International Finance Corporation plans to expand its hard rock mining activities to incorporate copper, aluminum and iron ore Read more Update \| 13 March 2007 NGOs demand revision of unfavorable DRC mining contracts A coalition of NGOs launched an appeal to the Congolese government, the World Bank and other international partners to "renegotiate, revoke or cancel" disadvantageous mining contracts made during the war and under the transitional government, in order to ensure that the Congolese people derive a "fair share" from the exploitation of the country's natural resources. Read more Update \| 7 March 2007 EIB and AfDB back feasibility study of uranium treatment in Zambia The use of public money by the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank to extract uranium poses a serious cause for concern, not only because of threat of contamination of local water sources, but because of the precedent it would set. Read more Update \| 7 March 2007 Niger Delta instability delays West Africa Gas Pipeline Controversial World Bank-backed project faces further obstacles due to ongoing instability in Nigeria’s turbulent Niger Delta region. In recent months, unrest in the Delta has been marked by kidnappings of oil workers and attacks on oil installations. Read more Update \| 26 February 2007 African Development Bank, World Bank to collaborate on extractive industries At a two-day “experience-sharing meeting” on the extractive industries (EI) in Africa last week in Tunis, the banks agreed to intensify their collaboration on EI work and support for the implementation of the EITI by resource-rich countries in Africa. Read more Update \| 26 February 2007 Update: Extractive industries campaigner released from prison, but still unable to leave Angola Although Dr. Sarah Wykes, an anti-corruption campaigner at Global Witness, has been released from prison following her Feb 20 arrest on espionage charges, she has not yet been able to leave the oil-rich Cabina region, where she was detained. Read more Press Clipping \| 15 February 2007 Ethanol use would benefit U.S., region IDB President Moreno suggests that increased U.S. ethanol needs could be provided by Latin America Read more Update \| 15 February 2007 Bujagali Dam fails to meet international standards A report released last week documents the failure of the proposed Bujagali Dam in Uganda to fully comply with the international best practices set by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) Read more Update \| 13 February 2007 World Bank's "model" project in Chad beset by persistent problems The controversial Chad-Cameroon pipeline is again in the news after an off-shore oil spill occurred near the town of Kribi in coastal Cameroon. Meanwhile in southern Chad, where ExxonMobil and its consortium partners extract nearly 200,000 barrels of “black gold” per day, the security situation and living conditions are deteriorating. Read more Update \| 9 February 2007 Mining companies turn to UN and World Bank in face of Chinese threat An article in The Times described a secret high-level meeting of the heads of several Western mining companies and UN and World Bank officials concerning competition from Chinese investors in Africa’s mining sector Read more Update \| 6 February 2007 OPIC finds BP negligent with BTC Pipeline The U.S. Government Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) recommended to British Petroleum (BP) that more safety precautions are needed for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Pipeline, which transports oil from the Caspian Sea through Azerbaijan and Georgia to Turkey. Read more Update \| 2 February 2007 Comments on the World Bank Group's Extractive Industries Review Implementation Report The World Bank recently released its annual report on Bank Management’s progress in implementing the recommendations laid out in the 2003 Extractive Industries Review (EIR). Read more Update \| 30 January 2007 World Bank anti-corruption strategy needs improvement Concerns include the draft's failure to adequately address the Bank's internal governance and the role of the private sector. Read more Update \| 24 January 2007 Oil spill along Chad-Cameroon Pipeline The Center for Environment and Development (CED), a Cameroon-based organization that has been active in monitoring the impacts of the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project, has issued a press release on the incident. CED notes, among other things, a concern regarding the poor communication and long delay in alerting the public and local authorities about the spill. Read more Update \| 16 January 2007 EBRD decides against involvement in controversial Sakhalin II project The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has decided not to fund the largest oil and gas project in the world, Sakhalin II, on Russia’s Far Eastern island after several years of consultations. Read more Update \| 9 January 2007 New BIC Publication: Public Disclosure of Legal Agreements in EBRD Extractive Industry Projects BIC's Europe and Central Asia program recently conducted a research study of legal agreement disclosure in European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Extractive Industries projects. Read more Update \| 9 January 2007 New BIC Publication: Quick Reference Guide to Revenue Transparency at the IFIs BIC's Europe and Central Asia program has compiled an easy access source of information on International Financial Institution (IFI) disclosure policies and their weaknesses. Read more Update \| 9 January 2007 BIC Publication: EIR Implementation Status Report In July 2001, the World Bank Group (WBG) commissioned the Extractive Industry Review (EIR), a process led by an independent secretariat established to analyze whether extractive industries projects could be compatible with the WBG’s goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction. Read more Update \| 9 January 2007 World Bank study notes “complete lack of transparency” in DRC mining contracts In an op-ed about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Boston Globe, authors John le Carre and Jason Stearns criticized the unfavorable mining contracts signed between several international companies and Gecamines, the Congolese state-owned copper company, as a threat to the country’s prospects for lasting peace and development. Read more Update \| 22 December 2006 IFC and EIB post new documents on Uganda dam Both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Investment Bank (EIB) disclosed project documents for the controversial Bujagali hydroelectric dam this week; IFC board date set for April 2007 Read more Update \| 21 December 2006 European Investment Bank approves over $1 billion for Africa's energy sector The EIB's emphasis on large, fossil fuel-based infrastructure projects a major cause for concern. Read more Update \| 12 December 2006 Halifax Initiative produces map of destructive Canadian mining ventures The twenty-three projects featured on the map show wide temporal and geographic scope - demonstrating that the incidence of Canadian mining projects associated with significant adverse social and environmental problems is far more widespread than the mining industry would have you believe. Read more Update \| 12 December 2006 Shell and partners cede control of Sakhalin II to Gazprom After months of strained negotiations, it appears that Shell and its partners have given Gazprom, the Russian-state owned gas monopoly, 50 percent plus one control of the controversial oil and gas project. Read more Update \| 6 December 2006 Urgent concerns about Uganda dam go unanswered by World Bank An NGO letter to the World Bank details urgent concerns regarding the Bujagali hydropower project in Uganda, which is being fast-tracked for development early next year. Read more Update \| 22 November 2006 World Bank implicated in controversial DR Congo mining contracts An internal memo warns that the Bank may be complicit in the non-transparent awarding of mining contracts that are unfavorable to the country Read more Update \| 21 November 2006 EU commits $127 million for Bujagali dam European Investment Bank to provide funds for controversial Uganda dam Read more Update \| 13 November 2006 Where Oil flows...Debt grows BIC and partners challenge World Bank and US Government controversial support of Big Oil in November 14 Financial Times advertisement. Read more Update \| 27 October 2006 Russian authorities' complaints jeopardize Sakhalin II project The Sakhalin II project has come under fierce scrutiny by the Russian authorities in recent days, and may be suspended in certain sections due to allegations of illegal deforestation, the dumping of toxic waste, and soil erosion. Read more Update \| 19 October 2006 Bolder steps needed on EI revenue and contract transparency More than 100 civil society activists from over 50 countries gathered this past week in Oslo, Norway, called for stronger requirements on disclosure of revenues and contracts in the oil, mining and gas sectors. Read more Update \| 11 October 2006 World Bank discloses comments on EIA for Lom Pangar hydroelectric dam In a written response to civil society organizations, the World Bank has agreed to disclose its comments on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the planned Lom Pangar hydroelectric project in eastern Cameroon. Read more Update \| 18 September 2006 "Prove it": Groups challenge IFC on mining investments On the "golden" 50th anniversary of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), civil society organizations have released a briefing paper questioning the institution's investment in gold mining and calling for the IFC to report its development impacts on a project-by-project basis. Tarnished Gold: Mining and the unmet promise of development September 2006 (Acrobat pdf 376 KB) Read more Update \| 18 September 2006 World Bank Energy Framework Sells Climate and Poor People Short A new NGO report finds that the World Bank's promise to seriously support alternative enery remains unfullfilled. Released in Singapore during the Bank's annual meeting, the report--How the World Bank's Energy Framework Sells the Climate and Poor People Short--calls on the Bank to step up efforts to meet basic energy needs of the poor, to stop subsidizing northern oil companies, and to redirect existing dirty energy financing to renewable technologies and energy efficiency projects. Read more Update \| 15 September 2006 Extractive Industries Review #8, September 2006 The EIR update contains information about International Financial Institutions (IFI) and civil society activities related to the implementation of EIR recommendations and World Bank Group Management commitments. Highlights relevant events, deadlines, and other developments related to IFI policies and operations in the EI sector. Read more Update \| 15 September 2006 Report from IFC/WB Workshop on Extractive Industries These documents were produced in association with a recent IFC/WB workshop entitled, "Sharing Experience: Enhancing the Benefits Read more Update \| 24 August 2006 New Discussion Paper: Azerbaijan’s Continued Struggle with Poverty and Oil Dependence This paper assesses a decade of IFI operations in Azerbaijan and how those operations have performed in relation to the goal of economic diversification – a main objective of IFI lending programs and the main priority of Azerbaijan's poverty reduction program. Read more Update \| 20 June 2006 Congressional briefing on EI transparency tackles resource curse The Publish What You Pay coalition organized a briefing at the House of Representatives to highlight the lack of transparency and pervasive corruption in oil, gas and mining sector projects in the developing world. Read more Update \| 13 June 2006 Civil Society organizations challenge the IFC's role in Glamis' Marlin Mine project and call for the recognition of a community referendum In a letter to World Bank Executive Directors, civil society organizations are calling for the recognition of a community referendum in Guatemala. Communities in Sipacapa, one of the municipalities impacted by the mine, registered their position on mineral development through a popular referendum in June 2005 with a majority of villages (11 out of 13) signing community acts stating their position against mining. It has become increasingly apparent that the IFC is not taking responsibility for the problems posed by the Marlin Mine and in particular the plight of the communities which have been adversely affected. Read more Update \| 12 June 2006 Shell falsifies External Monitoring Reports on Sakhalin II river crossings Publicly disclosed external observer monitoring reports on Sakhalin II project were different from the original reports on which the released reports were allegedly based. Read more Update \| 18 May 2006 BIC releases Extractive Industries Review Update #7, May 2006 Read more Update \| 12 May 2006 Despite major environmental problems, Sakhalin looks increasingly attractive to Western oil and gas companies The situation on remote Sakhalin Island, considered to be one of the most promising new ventures by oil and gas corporations, has many concerned that environmental protection is taking a backseat to oil extraction. Read more Update \| 4 April 2006 BIC releases Extractive Industries Review Update #6, April 2006 Read more Update \| 14 March 2006 EBRD holds consultation meeting with international NGOs in London about Sakahlin II The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development held the first of several public consultations in London on the Sakhalin II gas project, part of the 120-day public consultation period due to end on April 21. Read more Update \| 3 March 2006 NGOs urge World Bank to examine problems with implementation of mining projects in DR Congo NGOs call upon the World Bank to investigate mining contracts and problems with the Bank's reform project in DR Congo. Read more Update \| 7 February 2006 BIC and Environmental Defense release report assessing the World Bank Group's implementation of its governance commitments following the Extractive Industries Review. The review reveals that the World Bank Group has done little to effectively and transparently factor governance considerations into the selection and sequencing of its support for extractive industry (EI) projects and strategies. Read more Update \| 31 January 2006 Protesters demontrate against Sakhalin II oil and gas project Peaceful protests on Sakhalin island urge EBRD to reject financing for reckless Sakhalin II project. Read more Update \| 31 January 2006 BIC releases Extractive Industries Review Update #5, January 2006 Read more Update \| 31 January 2006 Wolfowitz's office urged to release internal report on controversial DRC mine Read more Update \| 23 January 2006 Potential EBRD Gold Mine Project Rejected by Ministry of Environment and Water Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water "silently denied" Canadian mining company gold mining development. Read more Update \| 19 January 2006 International Finance Corporation discusses governance indicators The IFC shared a draft “check list” for investment officers on “assessment of risks to project benefits”. Read more Correspondence \| 12 January 2006 World Bank Group releases report: "Implementation of the Management Response to the Extractive Industries Review" The report reviews the World Bank Group's progress in implementating the Extractive Industries Review since October 2004. Read more Update \| 6 January 2006 Wolfowitz suspends $124m in World Bank loans to Chad In what some have described as Wolfowitz's first real test in his new position, the President announced the suspension of all World Bank loans to Chad on Friday. Read more Update \| 22 December 2005 Report finds World Bank Group undermining its own ambitions for extractive industry CEE Bankwatch and BIC release new report "Grounded in Washington" assessing World Bank Group implementation of the Extractive Industries Review commitments. “Grounded in Washington” CEE Bankwatch and BIC, December, 2005 (Acrobat PDF 1.5MB) Read more Update \| 4 November 2005 The IFC responds to the CAO’s critical report on the Marlin mine in Guatemala Affected communities ask to meet with World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz. Read more Update \| 31 October 2005 BIC's Executive Director responds to recent New York Times expose on mining Manish Bapna, BIC's Executive Director, highlighted the importance of strengthening the IFC's performance standards and creating binding social and environmental obligations for the mining industry in a recent letter to the New York Times. Read more Update \| 27 October 2005 Chad proposes revision of oil revenue management system The government of Chad has announced its intention to amend the Petroleum Revenue Management Law—the much-vaunted centerpiece of the World Bank’s “model” Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project—in order to increase revenues available for discretionary spending today. Read more Update \| 26 October 2005 IFIs and Extractive Industries in the News A recent New York Times feature on gold mining has sparked renewed interest in an industry that has been scrutinized by civil society groups, development organizations and affected communities for quite some time. Read more Update \| 26 October 2005 EIR follow-up Workshop December 11-14 Coinciding with the proposed time for release of WB Progress Report on EIR implementation, on December 11-14, 2005 CEE Bankwatch and BIC will host a workshop in Washington, DC to highlight WBG performance on the implementation of EIR recommendations. Read more Update \| 21 October 2005 Recent report from the DRC highlights plight of Congolese miners Read more Update \| 11 October 2005 New report on BTC refutes claims of poverty reduction Report released on October 11, ahead of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline opening ceremony in Tbilisi, Georgia details the infringements detected in the construction phase of the Georgian section of the BTC pipeline and the problems – many of them with long-term implications – faced by Georgians during the implementation of the project. Read more Update \| 4 October 2005 BIC releases Extractive Industries Review Update #4, September 2005 Read more Update \| 28 September 2005 World Bank begins clean energy investment framework discussions In response to recommendations arising from last July's G8 summit at Gleneagles, the World Bank and the G8 Presidency began work on an investment framework and implementation strategy for clean energy and sustainable development during the 2005 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. Read more Update \| 28 September 2005 World Bank Extractive Industry Advisory Group Plans First Meeting The Advisory Group is intended to serve as a forum for discussion of extrative industry projects. The first meeting is scheduled for October 5-6, 2005 in Washington, DC. Read more Update \| 13 September 2005 Read a summary and analysis of the CAO report that criticizes World Bank involvement in the Marlin Mine in Guatemala. Read the Bank Information Center's review of the CAO report criticizing the IFC's role in the Marlin open pit goldmine project. Read more Update \| 18 August 2005 BIC releases Extractive Industries Review Update #3, August 2005 Read more Update \| 18 August 2005 US Voting Record on Recent EI Projects The United States Treasury issues a report for US Congress on the amount and type of assistance provided for EI activities since September 30, 2004 by each IFI. Read more Update \| 12 August 2005 World Bank Group responds to critical questions about EIR implementation The director of the Oil, Mining, Gas and Chemicals Department responds to a civil society letter noting lack of progress on implementing Extractive Industries Review recommendations. Read the full response and highlights. Read more Update \| 14 July 2005 Track extractive industry projects in your region Read more Update \| 14 July 2005 BIC releases Extractive Industries Review Update #2, July 2005 Read more Update \| 6 July 2005 World Bank slow to enact Extractive Industries Review commitments More than 70 civil society organizations send a letter to the WB Executive Directors highlighting concerns about an increase in high-risk EI investment and the Bank’s lack of progress in implementing its EIR commitments. Read more Update \| 1 July 2005 Guatemala: Sipacapa community says No to Mining! Read about the popular referendum on mining held in the town of Sipacapa, San Marcos, where ore from the Marlin Mine will be cyanide processed. Read more Update \| 31 May 2005 BTC pipeline celebrates first oil The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline was officially opened on May 25 with Presidential ceremony. Read more Update \| 13 May 2005 Camisea Project Update: A Project without an End. Read the latest updates about the Camisea Gas Project: find out about the planned project expansion and learn more about where the royalties are really going. Read more Update \| 5 May 2005 USAID reports to Congress on high-impact development projects Read more Update \| 23 March 2005 Glamis in Guatemala: A Project Alert on the Marlin Mine Read a report on the Marlin Mine and the effects of foreign investment in mining in Guatemala from the perspective of those impacted by the industry. Read more Update \| 15 February 2005 "Chad's Oil: Miracle or Mirage?" BIC and CRS release report Feb 17th Read more Update \| 4 February 2005 EBRD extends public comment period on new Energy Policy until 30 March 2005 Several NGOs are demanding changes to the new policy, hoping to set the EBRD on a more sustainable and equitable energy development path. Read more Update \| 30 November 2004 New BIC report calls for revenue transparency in oil, gas, and mining projects Read more Update \| 22 September 2004 Oil spill prompts demand for moratorium on Shell's Sakhalin II project Read more Correspondence \| 28 June 2004 WB Management releases response to Extractive Industries Review. Last chance for civil society input On June 18, 2004, World Bank Group Management issued its final response to the EIR for a 30-day public comment period, through July 18, 2004. Read more Update \| 28 June 2004 Indigenous peoples issue declaration at International Conference for Renewable Energies, Bonn Read more Update \| 9 June 2004 AIMES supports EIR, calls for justice for Africa Read more Update \| 7 May 2004 Extractive Industries Review garners worldwide attention as Bank prepares its response Sign-on letters, public statements and press coverage reflect mounting pressure on the World Bank Group to implement EIR recommendations. World Bank management will submit its response to the recommendations and proposed action plan to the Board of Directors for discussion some time in June 2004. Read more Update \| 13 April 2004 AIMES issues statement on the EIR Read more Update \| 13 April 2004 Nobel Laureates endorse EIR Read more Update \| 13 April 2004 European Parliament adopts resolution on the EIR Read more Update \| 10 March 2004 Transparency recommendations from the EIR The final report of the Extractive Industries Review specifically recommends that the World Bank Group promote transparency in revenue flows, set up independent grievance mechanisms, improve access to information at the local level.... Read more Update \| 11 February 2004 Chadian Civil Society appeal to WB Regional VP for Africa to support the EIR Read more Update \| 6 February 2004 Civil society groups launch independent website on Extractive Industries Review Read more Update \| 27 January 2004 Dr. Salim submits Final EIR report to WBG President Wolfensohn Read more Update \| 12 January 2004 US Treasury voices initial reaction to Final EIR Report Read more Update \| 11 January 2004 EIR publishes report from Final EIR Workshop in Lisbon Read more Press Release \| 11 January 2004 NGO Press Release on EIR Final Report Read more Update \| 11 January 2004 Extractive Industries Review releases its final report Read more Print this page Email this page		Search Key Issues Forests IFC Policies and Standards Review World Bank Energy Strategy Review World Bank Safeguards Review World Bank Transparency Review Stay Informed! Sign up for our e-newsletters. SignUp

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