10th Global Investigative Journalism Conference

The extractive industries –the development and exploitation of oil, gas, and mining resources — are a critical area for investigative journalists, particularly in developing countries. Revenues from natural resource extraction may contribute heavily to GDP and even make up the bulk of government revenue. The companies in the extractive sector are large and influential. How the revenues they generate are spent affects economic growth, the environment, domestic security, and social well-being. In many countries, however, revenues are wasted or lost due to corruption and financial mismanagement. Here are tips on how to find the data, follow the money, and ferret out corrupt practices.