Mining can boost local African economies, but it can also increase inequality, tension and risk for communities. “To truly support sustainable development, mining policies and practices should involve local people,” says development anthropologist Beatrice Gibertini.
In her thesis Gibertini examines the local impacts of mining in Africa. She focuses specifically on changes around mining areas in migration patterns, participation into politics and women's livelihood opportunities.
“Demand for minerals is rising due to higher living standards and the shift to clean energy, presenting African countries with an opportunity to benefit from their natural resources.”
“My research shows that mining can bring economic opportunities to local communities, like more jobs and new business activity. But it also creates serious challenges. Mineral booms attract people to mining areas, which can increase tension and conflict. Large-scale mining is often linked to social, health, and environmental problems, raising the question: can mining truly support sustainable development?”
The main implication is that policies and mining practices should involve local people in decisions about how mining is run. This is important for governments, mining companies, and civil society organizations, because it shows that economic growth alone is not enough: people’s well-being and safety matter too.
More information on the thesis
