RADICAL TRANSPARENCY
Transparency is critical in holding the State and the Centre accountable throughout all processes related to the extraction of India’s natural resources.
What We Do
One of MIRA’s objectives is to advocate for radical transparency in the extractive sector in India. We have developed an India Extractives Transparency Charter to foster greater transparency about extractive industry activities and enable citizens to use the information to hold duty bearers responsible.
To develop the Charter’s objectives, multi-stakeholder consultations were held in states such as Rajasthan and Jharkhand. As a result, the minimum principles for transparency and information disclosure, as well as the types of information to be disclosed, were established.
MIRA has also advised actions to assist civil society organisations and activists in advocating for an effective, credible, and practical transparency framework in the extractive industry.
Accountability Of Extractive Sector Funds
The mandatory disclosure of financial transactions between mining businesses and the government can reveal corruption and misuse of mineral sale proceeds.
What We Do
Scams such as 2G have shed light on the immediate need for a mandatory disclosure standard for financial transactions. Even in the extractive industry, large scams demonstrate discretion in awarding mining leases and contracts. As a result, the State only receives a fraction of what it could from selling mineral wealth.
By making financial interactions between the government and mining firms transparent, corrupt endeavours can be avoided. In the India Extractives Transparency Charter, we pushed for obligatory disclosure and accountability of extractive sector money.
CAG reports on coal auctions are analysed, and if there are any discrepancies, appropriate action is taken. We write to the concerned authorities to raise the issues and, when required, seek redressal.
Integrity Due Diligence
Responsible players are required for long-term mining sustainability. The majority of Indian mining corporations fail to pass the fundamental integrity due diligence required in the extractive industry.
What We Do
By its very nature, the extractive sector is dangerous. Mining can have both short- and long-term repercussions for the environment and society if it is done improperly. As a result, while selecting mining companies, the government must build a regulatory framework.
The Fit and Proper Person Test (FPPT) has been proposed by MIRA to several national and state-level authorities. FPPT is a selection criterion used in various industries to assess a person’s or company’s technical, financial, social, and environmental viability.
In the extractive sector, we call for this selection approach to be legalised as a Fit and Proper Person Test Policy. Only enterprises that meet the FPPT criteria will be permitted to bid in mining auctions.
Rationalisation In Extractives
Because the extractive industry is both resource-intensive and heavily polluting, it is imperative that the existing unsustainable’ production be rationalised.
What We Do
In the mining context, mineral deposits are available for a limited extent no matter how huge the resource is and ideally need to be endowed for posterity. While mineral extraction is deemed necessary for economic growth, its accounting should also account for the use of other critical resources such as land, water, and electricity during production.
This accounting, if thoroughly investigated, would indicate how resource-intensive mineral extraction and production are. Mining, as a result, makes a significant dent in our shared inheritance in more ways than one.
MIRA strongly appeals to mining stakeholders to rationalise the indiscriminate and unsustainable extraction of minerals. We call for a total moratorium on new leases and ensuring “zero-tolerance”. Thus, there is an urgent need for strict limits to the quantum of production of mines and minerals.
Gender & Extractive Industries
In the extractive sector, women’s needs go unseen, unheard, and unprotected, resulting in social and economic inequalities.
What We Do
MIRA works to educate all stakeholders in the Indian extractive industry about the gender perspective, as recommended by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). We create practical solutions for the Indian government and mining companies to make their entire operations gender-friendly.
Not only do we advocate for policy changes, but we also support local, state, and national-level gender campaigns with the goal of eliminating gender-based discrimination, harassment, and negligence in the extractive industry.
ENERGY TRANSITION
A shift from non-renewable and polluting energy sources to renewable and green energy sources requires a just transition.
What We Do
India has enormous potential to transition to renewable energy sources. To that end, the government has set lofty goals, such as committing to sourcing 40 per cent of its electrical power from renewable sources. A transition to clean energy should take into account both formal and informal players.
MIRA is an advocate for a fair transition. Before making the switch to clean energy, careful planning and discussion are required. Many people’s livelihoods have been harmed as a result of unplanned closures. We propose a shift in livelihood opportunities that is sustainable, secure, and dignified.
Solidarity With Movements
We stand in solidarity with campaigns working to make the extractive sector more transparent, accountable, and responsible, both locally and globally.
What We Do
MIRA is affiliated with the global Publish What You Pay (PWYP) coalition, a global movement of 50 national coalitions made up of over 1000 organisations united in calling for transparency and accountability in the oil, gas, and mining sectors and advocating to ensure that the benefits from the sale proceeds translate into improvements in people’s lives.
We support the campaigns organised by various PWYP members. MIRA participates in global conventions, conducts local research, signs international charters, and promotes mining industry sustainable protocols.
Along with global campaigns, we help local activists and campaigns by advocating for their message on a national scale. When local activists require assistance, they contact the MIRA team. We recognise the problem and take immediate action by notifying relevant authorities such as ministries, the media, and so on. We want to pool our resources to combat injustice, secrecy, and corruption in the Indian extractive industry.