India is fast becoming a global industrial power as it intergrates further into the global economy. Attracted by a low wage, educated workforce and lax environmental regulations companies are keen to invest in India.

In the Tamil Nadu town of Tuticorin a copper smelter owned by Sterlite, a subsidiary of the giant Vedana Group, has generated massive opposition among the population due to the pollution it has been creating. Repression by police and army has killed many protestors.

APC spoke to Lavanya Thavaraja, a labour activist, about this movement and the recent disappearance of Mugilan, a noted social and environmental activist who had been at the forefront of the campaing against the plant.

Asia Pacific Currents provides updates of labour struggles and campaigns from the Asia Pacific region. It is produced by Australia Asia Worker Links, in the studio of 3CR Radio in Melbourne, Australia