The recent large-scale protests over a proposed molybdenum copper plant in Shifang, Sichuan resulted in the cancellation of the plans by the local government. But residents are still angry about the government’s lack of transparency when informing the public about plans for the project. From Reuters:
Many of the residents of the villages that surround Shifang and who live cheek-by-jowl with the existing factory where the new plant was to be built, said it was the government’s unwillingness to explain the plans that sparked their fury.
“We don’t oppose the government, but they must explain the risks involved in a project like this, and they didn’t. Their publicity efforts were not good enough,” said Zeng Susen, who runs a small guest house and restaurant.
“The government keeps talking about resolving livelihood problems, but they have to start doing so at the grassroots,” added Zeng, who relies on tourists visiting the pleasantly pastoral region.
See also “Mixed Views & Fisticuffs Over Shifang Protests” and more about the Shifang protests from CDT.
