Attempts to `civilize' the exploitation of natural and mineral resources are globally promoted. The body of rules and regulations - often the outcome of prolonged socio-environmental and political struggles - is impressive. However, the outcomes of their implementation are much less convincing. The chapters in this book show how international law is curtailing national and local regulation, while existing legislation is often watered-down, circumvented or reinterpreted with severe environmental, health and socio-economic impacts, particularly in the `global south'.