Demonstrators in Hong Kong this morning (December 3) called on China Gold International Resources (CGIR) to immediately withdraw from Tibet. The protesters, holding banners and the Tibetan national flag, shouted slogans demanding an end to the exploitation of Tibet’s natural mineral resources. The rally started between MTR Central Station Exit A and Exchange Square.
CGIR started trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange earlier this week. The company is reported to have raised HK$2.4 billion ($309 million) to expand and intensify its controversial mining operations in Tibet. Protests have also been staged in Toronto and are planned in Vancouver, where the company is based.
CGIR (formerly Jinshan Inc) has come under fire by Tibet advocacy groups for purchasing the Gyama (Chinese: Jiama) mine operation near Lhasa, Tibet’s capital – a move opposed by Tibetans in the region and abroad.
In 2009, Tibetans in Gyama protested about water contamination and the resettlement of nomads which has resulted from mining operations. Tibetan rights groups are calling on Canadian mining companies and their investors to stay out of occupied Tibet or face increased public pressure.
As the political situation inside Tibet continues to intensify, human rights groups are calling on Hong Kong companies and their investors to steer clear of high-risk business ventures in the country or face increased public and political pressure.
