Translate page with Google

Story Publication logo June 1, 2012

Haiti’s Gold Rush: Government Embraces U.S., Canadian Mining Firms

Country:

Author:
Media file: bd-gold-41.jpg
English

Haiti’s north is rich with mineral deposits that could infuse millions into the nation’s ailing...

author #1 image author #2 image
Multiple Authors
SECTIONS
Media file: 002.jpg

Pulitzer Center grantee Jane Regan discussed with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! possible consequences of allowing Canadian and U.S. mining companies to explore one third of northern Haiti. Below is an excerpt provided by Democracy Now!

After years of rumors that mining companies were exploring in Haiti, Canadian and U.S. corporations now confirm they have permits to mine gold in more than 1,000 square miles in northern Haiti. Haiti's new prime minister says the estimated $20 billion worth of minerals in Haiti's hills could help liberate it from dependency on foreign aid and rebuild from the devastating 2010 earthquake. But many worry the mines will be a boom for foreign investors and a bust for local communities. We speak to Jane Regan, lead author of "Gold Rush in Haiti: Who Will Get Rich?" The report by Haiti Grassroots Watch was published Wednesday in The Guardian and Haïti Liberté. "You've got a perfect storm brewing whereby you're looking at giant pit mines in the north, in a country that's already environmentally devastated, and giant pit mines being run by Canadian and American companies," Regan says. "Most of the money that's made and most of the gold that's dug up will go straight north."

RELATED TOPICS

Trade

Topic

Trade

Trade
yellow halftone illustration of two construction workers moving a wheelbarrow of dirt

Topic

Extractive Industries

Extractive Industries

Support our work

Your support ensures great journalism and education on underreported and systemic global issues