Nonviolent movement opposing open pit mining in Bangladesh from 2006 - 2014
The indigenous people of Phulbari, Bangladesh, fought against the use of open-pit mining from August 26, 2006, to February 6, 2014. Open pit mining would displace thousands of people, as well as destroy farmland, and divert water sources for use in the mining process. Overview. BHP, an Australian mining company, discovered coal in Phulbari between 1994 and 1997. Upon discovering that the depth of the coal deposits would result in destructive mining activity, BHP sold its right to mine to London based Asia Energy Corporation. Asia Energy Corporation  proposed an open pit mine project, and estimated that it would take thirty-six years to mine the deposit. The Bangladesh Department of Environment approved the open pit mine project by granting it "Environmental Clearance for Mining" on September 11, 2005. Nonviolent methods. On August 26, 2006, 50,000 people marched to demonstrate opposition to the proposed mining project. A paramilitary organization named the Bangladesh Rifles opened fire on protestors, and killed five people. Protestors held demonstrative funerals for the five activists who were shot and killed during the protest. Furthermore, the protestors responded to the paramilitary violence on August 28 , 2006, by organizing a national strike that managed to close offices, educational institutions and roads in the Dinajpur district. On October 20, 2011, eighty international organizations wrote letters to the remaining investors of the open pit mining project. They asked that investors withdraw their investments by explaining the human rights violations and environmental risks linked to the project. A movement leader and activist, Samina Luthfa, taunted the director of the mining project by giving him an "eviction notice", suggesting that the company should leave Bangladesh immediately. Movement leaders and allies. Leaders of the movement include Professor Anu Muhammad, "Mr. Nuruzuman