India's Dongria Kondh tell Vedanta 'we won't leave our land'

Ahead of the AGM of Vedanta Resources in London today, (28 August) India’s Dongria Kondh tribe has sent a strong message to the company’s chairman Anil Agarwal.

"‘Even if Anil Agarwal himself comes here, we won’t leave our land. We will use all our strength to make them leave this place. Let us live our lives in peace", two Dongria women said to Survival International, the NGO which campaigns for the rights of tribal people.

The FTSE100 company is intent on mining the Dongria’s mountain for bauxite.

The company’s failure both to consult with the Dongria, and to get all the necessary clearances for the mine before starting works on its refinery, has damaged Vedanta financially as well as in terms of its reputation. Last week, it was announced that running its refinery without being able to mine locally has cost the company over US$540 million (£340 million). Full story...

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