Ross Clark
Already a subscriber? Log in
‘In an age where ethical investment has become common, the proposal seems to be a throwback to Africa’s plunder by grasping Europeans and greedy multinationals,’ thundered the Guardian. ‘Life will change utterly in the town most affected, the coastal community of Fort Dauphin. There will be a new port and breakwater, ships, roads, trucks and strangers.’ It goes on to quote a World Wildlife Fund activist who warns that bringing miners to the backwoods of Madagascar will lead to prostitution and Aids.
Contrary to the ‘grasping’ image given it by the Guardian, RTZ has already spent five years studying the environmental impact of its proposed mine in south-east Madagascar, and has had its plans approved by the country’s elected government. While the mining will mean the temporary loss of forest – an area of 20 square miles would be mined over a period of 60 years – RTZ’s plans include the restoration of forest in its path. Not so the destruction of forest by local charcoal-burners – the antithesis of greedy international capitalists – who on current reckoning will have completely destroyed Madagascar’s native forests within 20 to 40 years.
As for the charge that ‘strangers’ will destroy the local community and bring prostitution in their wake, it is simple xenophobia which would be considered an outrage by the Left were the community deemed at risk in the Western world. Some would hold that County Durham would be a more pleasant place if it weren’t for all the miners. But somehow it is hard to see the Guardian supporting that proposition.
Also in Society
Also by Ross Clark
Latest
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in