The Archbishop of Canterbury has raised concerns about the Church of England’s investment in Vedanta, the FTSE 100 mining group criticised by the government this week over its plans to open a bauxite operation in a sacred mountain area of India.
Speaking at Southwark Cathedral on Tuesday, Rowan Williams said he had approached the church commissioners ”“ who are responsible for church investments ”“ about a mining company with controversial activities in India. Dr Williams did not disclose the name of the company, but church officials have confirmed it was Vedanta.
The mining group had earlier on Tuesday been accused of failing to “respect the rights” of the 8,000-strong Dongria Kondh tribe by a government agency charged with making sure companies comply with ethical guidelines set down by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.