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Latin America has seen a major expansion in mining investments since the early 1990s, facilitated by free trade agreements and structural reforms that have deregulated the economies of the region and made them more hospitable to direct foreign investments.

Quebec, Monday February 6, 2012. The Coalition Québec meilleure mine (Better Mining Coalition) is appalled that federal Environment Minister, Peter Kent, has approved the Matoush uranium exploration project, despite opposition from the Mistissini Cree and the findings of a controversial review panel report from July of last year.

The Harper Government wants to gut the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Tell the Conservatives that Canada’s environment matters – and environmental laws matter. Tell them we won’t accept shoddy “streamlined” public reviews and destructive megaprojects – even if they change the law to allow them to proceed.

One of MiningWatch’s core areas of work is the promotion of Indigenous rights and recognition of title and the stewardship role that Indigenous people maintain across Canada and internationally. This article offers an overview of recent developments, including hopeful signs but also the considerable challenges in reconciling Indigenous rights and title with the mining industry and Canadian governments.