“Green mining” is an oxymoron that is gaining traction in the EU. But it pushes a risky narrative about an environmentally destructive sector. That is why it is being actively opposed by 180 civil society organisations and academics, Diego Francesco Marin writes.

Mining dominates, exploits and pollutes, suppressing other ways of living with the land. And it can be deadly, particularly in disadvantaged countries.

Activists, civil society and grassroots movements have been loud and clear about the dangers posed by the mining sector, yet few politicians seem to listen.

In the European Union, the European Commission and mining operators are clearly aware of these issues. But unless your community has been targeted as the next mining project to supposedly meet the EU’s climate goals, you are probably not aware of how destructive mining can be. As part of its Raw Materials Action Plan, the Commission is striving to create the conditions for more mining in Europe by convincing the public that mining can be “green.”

Last month, the Portuguese presidency of the EU organised a European conference on so-called green mining in Lisbon. Only one civil society organisation, the EEB, was invited to what had all the appearances of an industry convention rather than a green policy forum.

Right outside the venue, however, over a hundred activists from grassroots movements and citizens organisations protested against the conference and the government-backed lithium mining projects in northern Portugal. More activists wanted to attend the demonstration but were unable to due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“We need to make sure the policy and fiscal frameworks incentivise a more rational use of resources,” said EEB Secretary General Jeremy Wates. “If public subsidies go into mining rather than recycling or alternative technologies, we will only increase environmental and social pressures on pristine ecosystems and vulnerable communities.”

Read more.