Switzerland’s Glencore is the world’s 11th largest producer of thermal coal with an annual production of 97 Mt at its mines in Australia, South Africa and Colombia. Besides selling coal from its own mines, Glencore also trades in third party coal, making the company one of the largest exporters of thermal coal worldwide.
While most diversified mining companies are turning their back on thermal coal, Glencore has no plans to phase out its coal production. In fact, the company is still developing new coal mines and planning to extend the life of its existing mines. Together with its joint venture partner, Yancoal, Glencore aims to extend the life of its Hunter Valley coal operations in Australia until 2045 (South Pit) and 2050 (North Pit). Between 2023 and the newly proposed end dates, both mines would produce close to 1 billion tons of coal.
Since 2010, Glencore has racked up at least 70 allegations linked to human rights abuses and environmental pollution. In 2022, the company acquired full ownership of South America’s largest open-pit mine, Cerrejón, from its joint venture partners BHP and Anglo American. For years, Glencore’s Colombian coal mining operations in Cerrejón have led to the displacement of indigenous communities, polluted the region’s air and contaminated vital water sources.
NGOs working on Glencore:
London Mining Network
Yukpa Solidarity Network
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Lock the Gate
OECD Watch