A small number of companies in the global North are primarily responsible for conflicts related to natural resource extraction

2025/05/21 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena
• Berdintasuna
• Etika
• Giza zientziak

Only one hundred multinational companies are behind 20% of all conflicts related to the extraction of natural resources, according to a study carried out by the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Research has shown that companies in countries in the global North are aware of resources and benefits, while the global South suffers social and ecological impacts. The study has been published in the open journal Global Environmental Change.

The results have been obtained through the analysis of data from the interactive map Environmental Justice Atlas (EJAtlas). This interactive map includes more than 4,300 extractive conflicts around the world, such as battles over mines, oil pipelines or hydroelectric dams.

The 100 most conflicting companies, including Shell, Glencore, Repsol and Bayer-Monsanto, represent only 2% of the 5,500 companies documented in the atlas, but they participate in 20% of the conflicts analyzed. Most of these companies are transnational giants operating in the energy, mining and hydroelectricity sectors. Although based in the global North, their activities have serious consequences for communities in the global South.

In fact, according to the study, almost half of the conflicting mining projects of companies in the global North are located in the global South. In addition, 50% of the companies involved in conflicts in impoverished countries come from the United States, China, Europe or such developed economic territories.

transnational companies are involved in conflicts involving products of high value or environmental footprint, such as maize, cotton, oil, gas or rare minerals and jewellery. On the other hand, in conflicts that arise in relation to resources of lower value (coal, waste, etc.), national companies are mainly involved.

The study also shows that the participation of transnational companies in these projects aggravates the social and environmental consequences for the local population: forced displacement, loss of land, loss of livelihoods and traditional knowledge, as well as damage to women and indigenous people. In many cases, these conflicts lead to repression and corruption, as well as killings of community leaders and environmental activists.

The researchers report that although many of these companies are involved in initiatives such as the UN Global Convention, they do not meet the agreed criteria in their practice. They also stress the uselessness of control measures and the need to change the system. The latest European Parliament decisions, however, warn of the company’s intention to be irresponsible.