Glencore plc
Anglo-Swiss multinational commodity trading and mining company, one of the world's largest by revenue ($200+ billion), exporting coal to Israel which powers 17.5% of the country's electricity grid including illegal settlements. Subject to sustained AGM protests and UN expert accusations of complicity.
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- Strategic AnalysisAccess investor briefings and campaign resources
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Material Risk Framing
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UN human rights expert accused Glencore of complicity in genocide. Sustained AGM protests in Switzerland (2024, 2025). Global Energy Embargo Campaign and Resist Glencore Network coordination. Chairman dismissively refused to answer shareholder questions on Israel.
Growing institutional investor pressure on fossil fuel companies extends to human rights concerns. ESG exclusions increasingly common. South African operations face labour union opposition over Israel exports.
South Africa brought ICJ genocide case against Israel. Glencore's South African coal exports to Israel create exposure under SA's anti-apartheid legal traditions. Potential complicity under international humanitarian law.
Colombia halted coal exports to Israel under President Petro. Similar national actions could affect other Glencore mining operations. Global campaign network coordinates pressure across multiple countries.
Strategic Analysis
In-depth assessment of the company's position, vulnerabilities, and recommended approaches for effective engagement.
High severity, high vulnerability — campaigns with the best chance of making an impact
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Strategic Analysis
Glencore represents a critical node in Israel's energy supply chain, with South African coal exports powering 17.5% of the country's electricity grid including illegal settlements and military infrastructure. The company's dismissive response to shareholder questions at the May 2024 AGM - Chairman Madhavpeddi stated concerns had 'no merit at all' - demonstrates corporate intransigence that requires sustained external pressure. The established Resist Glencore Network and Global Energy Embargo Campaign provide infrastructure for coordinated advocacy.
Key Leverage Points
- South African Legal Exposure: South Africa brought the ICJ genocide case against Israel. Glencore's South African operations exporting coal to Israel create legal and political exposure under SA's strong anti-apartheid traditions. Mining unions have already mobilised against these exports.
- AGM Engagement: Annual shareholder meetings in Switzerland provide platform for challenging directors. The May 2024 confrontation created media coverage; sustained engagement increases pressure. Coordinate with Swiss civil society.
- FTSE 100 Institutional Pressure: Glencore's position in UK's primary index creates passive investment exposure. Target UK pension funds and institutional investors with human rights concerns alongside climate divestment demands.
- Colombian Precedent: President Petro's decision to halt Colombian coal exports to Israel demonstrates that national action is possible. Campaign to replicate in South Africa and other Glencore operating countries.
Evidence Summary
Campaign documentation establishes that South Africa shipped 150,000 tonnes of coal to Israel in January 2025 alone, with Glencore as a major exporter. Coal powers 17.5% of Israel's electricity grid, including illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and military infrastructure. The Climate Justice Coalition's 'Shut Down Glencore's Genocide Economy' campaign coordinates global advocacy. At the May 2024 AGM, when shareholders asked whether Glencore was 'conducting human rights assessments on the use of the coal you're exporting to Israel', Chairman Madhavpeddi replied that 'the company supplies to many countries around the world' and refused to provide further answers.
Engagement Strategy
Join established campaign infrastructure: Resist Glencore Network and Global Energy Embargo Campaign coordinate global actions. Support South African mining union demands to halt Israel exports. Target Swiss civil society for AGM engagement and corporate accountability. Engage UK institutional investors with combined climate and human rights divestment demands. Push for national government action following Colombian precedent. Frame messaging around energy embargo as concrete, achievable demand with measurable impact on Israel's electricity supply. Document coal shipments for ongoing campaign evidence.
Evidence & Sources
Verified sources including NGO reports, regulatory filings, and primary documents. Use these to substantiate your correspondence.
Coordinated protests in South Africa, Colombia, Peru, Germany, and Switzerland organised by Resist Glencore Network and Global Energy Embargo Campaign.
Open sourceAlmost 200 representatives of mining unions and civic organisations protest at Glencore Johannesburg offices calling for halt to Israel coal exports.
Open sourceGlobal protests at Glencore AGM in Switzerland. Chairman refuses to answer shareholder questions on human rights assessments for Israel coal exports.
Open sourceInternational Court of Justice finds 'plausible' genocide case against Israel, creating legal exposure for energy suppliers.
Open sourceCampaign report documenting Glencore's coal supplies powering Israeli military infrastructure and illegal settlements.
Open sourceUpdates & Milestones
- Global Day of Action
Coordinated protests across five countries target Glencore AGM, organised by Resist Glencore Network and Global Energy Embargo Campaign.
- 150,000 Tonnes Coal Shipped
Campaign groups document 150,000 tonnes of South African coal shipped to Israel in single month, powering 17.5% of electricity grid.
- South African Union Protests
Mining unions and civic organisations protest at Glencore Johannesburg offices, following Colombia's halt of coal exports to Israel.
- AGM Shareholder Confrontation
Shareholder asks Glencore about human rights assessments on Israel coal exports. Chairman Madhavpeddi dismisses question as having 'no merit at all'.
- ICJ Provisional Measures
International Court of Justice finds Israel faces 'plausible' genocide case. South Africa, source of Glencore coal exports to Israel, brought the case.
- Xstrata Merger
Glencore merges with Xstrata, substantially increasing mining operations and global footprint.
- London Stock Exchange IPO
Glencore lists on London Stock Exchange, becoming one of largest companies on FTSE 100.
- Glencore Founded
Marc Rich founds company that would become Glencore, growing into world's largest commodity trader.