The present study is centered on characterizing the conflicts associated with mining in Sonora and Zacatecas, two states in north-central Mexico. We consider the municipal surroundings where they emerge, via cartographical analysis of some variables including mining frontiers and poverty. The predominant conflict types show that communities are not inclined to accept mining as presented in government or corporate discourses; rather, communities struggle to improve their living conditions and preserve their natural surroundings. We can observe that in long-time mining locations, there is greater acceptance of the mining industry, so that the conflicts which arise tend to be concerned with labor or with eco-territorial matters of coexistence and pecuniary assets, although there are also alternatives; meanwhile, in places with recent mining penetration and deep-rooted agro-fisheries activities, conflicts tend to be eco-territorial regarding alternatives and territorial defense. However, the advance of the mining frontier configures the coexistence of different temporal regimes, based on complex spatio-temporal patterns where different types of environmentalism overlap with demands for opposition, negotiation, or collaboration in the same place.
{"title":"Mining struggles in north-central Mexico: Between mining tradition, poverty, and environmentalism","authors":"Alejandra Toscana-Aparicio , Sergio Elías Uribe-Sierra","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study is centered on characterizing the conflicts associated with mining in Sonora and Zacatecas, two states in north-central Mexico. We consider the municipal surroundings where they emerge, via cartographical analysis of some variables including <em>mining frontiers</em> and poverty. The predominant conflict types show that communities are not inclined to accept mining as presented in government or corporate discourses; rather, communities struggle to improve their living conditions and preserve their natural surroundings. We can observe that in long-time mining locations, there is greater acceptance of the mining industry, so that the conflicts which arise tend to be concerned with labor or with eco-territorial matters of coexistence and pecuniary assets, although there are also alternatives; meanwhile, in places with recent mining penetration and deep-rooted agro-fisheries activities, conflicts tend to be eco-territorial regarding alternatives and territorial defense. However, the advance of the mining frontier configures the coexistence of different temporal regimes, based on complex spatio-temporal patterns where different types of environmentalism overlap with demands for opposition, negotiation, or collaboration in the same place.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101548"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-07DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101552
Bernardo Mendonca Severiano, Stephen A. Northey, Damien Giurco
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EV) is growing demand for battery raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The potential for Voluntary Sustainability Initiatives (VSI) to mitigate the social and environmental impacts of mine development and operation is now in focus as resource supply scales rapidly. This study examines and synthesizes the drivers and barriers that influence extractive companies to voluntarily adopt sustainability initiatives, including certification and reporting, to mitigate social and environmental impacts. The methodology involved a thematic analysis of articles, initially identified through a systematic keyword search and further expanded with a snowball search technique. Thematic insights were classified and mapped against actors operating within the lithium-ion battery value-chain. The research found that drivers for adopting voluntary sustainability initiatives include maintaining market access, and addressing the increased need for frameworks to facilitate communication between companies and local communities. Barriers encompass short-term greenwashing undermining VSI legitimacy, and the lack of comprehensiveness of such initiatives regarding risk identification and risk mitigation for responsibly sourced commodities.
{"title":"Drivers and barriers of voluntary sustainability initiatives in mining raw materials for batteries","authors":"Bernardo Mendonca Severiano, Stephen A. Northey, Damien Giurco","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101552","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101552","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EV) is growing demand for battery raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The potential for Voluntary Sustainability Initiatives (VSI) to mitigate the social and environmental impacts of mine development and operation is now in focus as resource supply scales rapidly. This study examines and synthesizes the drivers and barriers that influence extractive companies to voluntarily adopt sustainability initiatives, including certification and reporting, to mitigate social and environmental impacts. The methodology involved a thematic analysis of articles, initially identified through a systematic keyword search and further expanded with a snowball search technique. Thematic insights were classified and mapped against actors operating within the lithium-ion battery value-chain. The research found that drivers for adopting voluntary sustainability initiatives include maintaining market access, and addressing the increased need for frameworks to facilitate communication between companies and local communities. Barriers encompass short-term greenwashing undermining VSI legitimacy, and the lack of comprehensiveness of such initiatives regarding risk identification and risk mitigation for responsibly sourced commodities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101552"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101551
Juliana Gonzalez Jauregui
Latin American countries, rich in key transition materials, have emerged as significant suppliers for China and key destinations for Chinese investment. These engagements have coincided with rising global competition among Chinese, and other leading companies to access these materials. Argentina serves as a notable example of these trends.
This paper analyzes Chinese investments in Argentina's lithium sector, focusing on the implications for the country's economic development and international insertion. Drawing on the contributions of Latin American structuralism and other approaches that emphasize the centrality of the State in promoting innovation and complexity in the production system, the paper explores the challenges faced by peripheral countries like Argentina in advancing development within the global center-periphery relations.
Our study employs an exploratory approach based on qualitative analysis of various sources. We first identify the distinctive characteristics of Chinese firms’ overseas strategies and interests in Argentina. Next, we examine the domestic and global factors constraining Argentina's ability to add value locally. In the conclusions, we summarize the challenges Argentina faces regarding the industrialization of lithium and highlight the critical role of the State in fostering the development of these capacities.
{"title":"Chinese investments in Argentina's lithium sector: Economic development implications amid global competition","authors":"Juliana Gonzalez Jauregui","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101551","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101551","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Latin American countries, rich in key transition materials, have emerged as significant suppliers for China and key destinations for Chinese investment. These engagements have coincided with rising global competition among Chinese, and other leading companies to access these materials. Argentina serves as a notable example of these trends.</div><div>This paper analyzes Chinese investments in Argentina's lithium sector, focusing on the implications for the country's economic development and international insertion. Drawing on the contributions of Latin American structuralism and other approaches that emphasize the centrality of the State in promoting innovation and complexity in the production system, the paper explores the challenges faced by peripheral countries like Argentina in advancing development within the global center-periphery relations.</div><div>Our study employs an exploratory approach based on qualitative analysis of various sources. We first identify the distinctive characteristics of Chinese firms’ overseas strategies and interests in Argentina. Next, we examine the domestic and global factors constraining Argentina's ability to add value locally. In the conclusions, we summarize the challenges Argentina faces regarding the industrialization of lithium and highlight the critical role of the State in fostering the development of these capacities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101551"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101547
Mbalenhle Mpanza
As an initial step of zero harm, an understanding of the scale and magnitude of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) is necessary for risk assessments. There is no publicly available TSF database in each South African province with details on TSF distribution of risks and characteristics. TSF-related cases such as the Jagersfontein Tailings Dam failure and the crime challenges by illegal miners at the North Sands Dump are significant motivations to establish a publicly accessible TSF database, especially in Gauteng. The objectives of the study were to establish a TSF database comprising the spatial distribution of TSFs and to classify each TSF by its operational activity status. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy publishes data on TSFs, and it was used to create the database. Due to coordinate data limitations, only 94 TSFs could be presented on ArcGIS Pro. The study finds that there is almost an equal split of active and inactive TSFs in Gauteng. Most active TSFs are situated in the East Rand of Gauteng. Furthermore, companies that own some of the TSFs in Gauteng include Durban Roodepoort Deep Gold, which owns 70 % of TSFs, followed by AfriSam (6 %) and Blyvoor Gold (4 %). Companies need to disclose all their TSF data to strengthen the database.
{"title":"Establishing a tailings storage facility database in Gauteng","authors":"Mbalenhle Mpanza","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As an initial step of zero harm, an understanding of the scale and magnitude of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) is necessary for risk assessments. There is no publicly available TSF database in each South African province with details on TSF distribution of risks and characteristics. TSF-related cases such as the Jagersfontein Tailings Dam failure and the crime challenges by illegal miners at the North Sands Dump are significant motivations to establish a publicly accessible TSF database, especially in Gauteng. The objectives of the study were to establish a TSF database comprising the spatial distribution of TSFs and to classify each TSF by its operational activity status. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy publishes data on TSFs, and it was used to create the database. Due to coordinate data limitations, only 94 TSFs could be presented on ArcGIS Pro. The study finds that there is almost an equal split of active and inactive TSFs in Gauteng. Most active TSFs are situated in the East Rand of Gauteng. Furthermore, companies that own some of the TSFs in Gauteng include Durban Roodepoort Deep Gold, which owns 70 % of TSFs, followed by AfriSam (6 %) and Blyvoor Gold (4 %). Companies need to disclose all their TSF data to strengthen the database.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101547"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101521
Mahelet G. Fikru , Jennifer Brodmann , Li Li Eng , J. Andrew Grant
While previous research explores the relationship between ESG ratings, firm size, and financial outcomes, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis comparing multiple ESG ratings within the mining industry. This gap is crucial given the increasing focus on ESG in mining operations and its potential impact on company performance. Based on proprietary financial and ESG ratings data from 200 mining companies, this study investigates the relationship between two different ESG ratings and firm characteristics. We compare ESG-rated firms with unrated firms in terms of firm size, and financial performance indicators, and explore country-level patterns in ESG ratings. Findings reveal that ESG-rated mining companies are generally larger than unrated firms but neither more profitable nor face lower debt costs. The results also show that, among rated firms, larger mining firms have more favorable ESG ratings than smaller ones. However, we fail to find a correlation between ESG ratings and financial performance. Finally, the evidence suggests that mining companies rated high for unmanaged ESG risk are likely to have lower ESG scores. This research contributes to understanding whether and how ESG ratings could impact investment decisions and risk management strategies in the mining sector.
{"title":"ESG ratings in the mining industry: Factors and implications","authors":"Mahelet G. Fikru , Jennifer Brodmann , Li Li Eng , J. Andrew Grant","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While previous research explores the relationship between ESG ratings, firm size, and financial outcomes, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis comparing multiple ESG ratings within the mining industry. This gap is crucial given the increasing focus on ESG in mining operations and its potential impact on company performance. Based on proprietary financial and ESG ratings data from 200 mining companies, this study investigates the relationship between two different ESG ratings and firm characteristics. We compare ESG-rated firms with unrated firms in terms of firm size, and financial performance indicators, and explore country-level patterns in ESG ratings. Findings reveal that ESG-rated mining companies are generally larger than unrated firms but neither more profitable nor face lower debt costs. The results also show that, among rated firms, larger mining firms have more favorable ESG ratings than smaller ones. However, we fail to find a correlation between ESG ratings and financial performance. Finally, the evidence suggests that mining companies rated high for unmanaged ESG risk are likely to have lower ESG scores. This research contributes to understanding whether and how ESG ratings could impact investment decisions and risk management strategies in the mining sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101521"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101543
Ali Bonyadi Naeini , Najmoddin Yazdi , Ali Maleki
This study investigates a framework for assessing suppliers' capabilities in public procurements to bolster localisation objectives. The study utilises the Action Design Research (ADR) methodology, combining the strengths of Action Research and Design Science, to examine the 'Ten Products Group' initiative within Iran's oil industry (2014–2023). This approach allows for the investigation of an applied problem within its specific contextual framework. The research highlights the importance of a comprehensive capability evaluation framework that includes qualitative assessments of suppliers' organisational, technological, and manufacturing capabilities. The framework incorporates both self-reporting and independent outside evaluation, enabling the inclusion of competent participants in public procurements and aligning contractual duties with the objective of localisation.
The study emphasises the need for a transparent and thorough capability evaluation framework, contributing to the development of local industries and economic growth in situations where suppliers lack necessary capabilities. It suggests that a well-designed capability evaluation framework can facilitate the growth of local industries through public procurements, enabling the inclusion of competent suppliers and supporting economic development. The study's limitations include its focus on the context of localisation in public procurement and the potential challenges associated with implementing the proposed capability evaluation framework in practice.
{"title":"Enhancing localisation in public procurements: A framework for evaluating suppliers' capabilities","authors":"Ali Bonyadi Naeini , Najmoddin Yazdi , Ali Maleki","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates a framework for assessing suppliers' capabilities in public procurements to bolster localisation objectives. The study utilises the Action Design Research (ADR) methodology, combining the strengths of Action Research and Design Science, to examine the 'Ten Products Group' initiative within Iran's oil industry (2014–2023). This approach allows for the investigation of an applied problem within its specific contextual framework. The research highlights the importance of a comprehensive capability evaluation framework that includes qualitative assessments of suppliers' organisational, technological, and manufacturing capabilities. The framework incorporates both self-reporting and independent outside evaluation, enabling the inclusion of competent participants in public procurements and aligning contractual duties with the objective of localisation.</div><div>The study emphasises the need for a transparent and thorough capability evaluation framework, contributing to the development of local industries and economic growth in situations where suppliers lack necessary capabilities. It suggests that a well-designed capability evaluation framework can facilitate the growth of local industries through public procurements, enabling the inclusion of competent suppliers and supporting economic development. The study's limitations include its focus on the context of localisation in public procurement and the potential challenges associated with implementing the proposed capability evaluation framework in practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101543"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-28DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101546
Naomi Schrandt , Julia M. Wittmayer , Tamara Metze
Decarbonization of the energy system to combat climate change poses a significant challenge for the Netherlands, often attributed to carbon lock-in: a persistent dependence on fossil fuels shaped by historical forces. Carbon lock-in also occurs at the discursive level, which is why research on sustainability transitions increasingly explores discourses as a crucial element for change. Our research contributes to this knowledge by exploring how counternarratives shape the discursive dynamics surrounding the fossil fuel industry's role in the Dutch energy system. Using an interpretive approach, we examine how the role of Shell, as the ‘epitome’ of the Dutch fossil fuel industry, is framed by both Shell itself and three discursive agents opposing fossil fuel-based pathways. To this end, we reconstruct the counternarratives by Friends of the Earth NL, Follow This, Code Rood and Shell around how they envision the role of Shell in the Dutch energy system, with the goal to identify how discursive agents position their narratives vis-à-vis each other and if coalitions are formed. Our findings reveal that discursive agents deploy a variety of strategic practices to increase the successful reproduction of their narratives: first, Code Rood strategically adopts a radical narrative that stimulates imagination, polarizing the discursive struggle surrounding Shell's role in the energy system. Second, Follow This strategically adopts a marginal narrative, designed to persuade incumbents of alternative interpretations, especially to rethink the profitability of fossil fuels. Third, Friends of the Earth NL and Follow This enhance their discursive agency through coalition building. Since unlocking institutionalized discourses becomes more important, further research should shed light on discursive dynamics within the institutionalized discourse. By offering insights into the pivotal role(s) of counternarratives in instigating discursive change, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge crucial for accelerating the shift toward a decarbonized energy system.
{"title":"Unravelling the discursive dynamics of counternarratives in the Dutch energy transition","authors":"Naomi Schrandt , Julia M. Wittmayer , Tamara Metze","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Decarbonization of the energy system to combat climate change poses a significant challenge for the Netherlands, often attributed to carbon lock-in: a persistent dependence on fossil fuels shaped by historical forces. Carbon lock-in also occurs at the discursive level, which is why research on sustainability transitions increasingly explores discourses as a crucial element for change. Our research contributes to this knowledge by exploring how counternarratives shape the discursive dynamics surrounding the fossil fuel industry's role in the Dutch energy system. Using an interpretive approach, we examine how the role of Shell, as the ‘epitome’ of the Dutch fossil fuel industry, is framed by both Shell itself and three discursive agents opposing fossil fuel-based pathways. To this end, we reconstruct the counternarratives by Friends of the Earth NL, Follow This, Code Rood and Shell around how they envision the role of Shell in the Dutch energy system, with the goal to identify how discursive agents position their narratives vis-à-vis each other and if coalitions are formed. Our findings reveal that discursive agents deploy a variety of strategic practices to increase the successful reproduction of their narratives: first, Code Rood strategically adopts a radical narrative that stimulates imagination, polarizing the discursive struggle surrounding Shell's role in the energy system. Second, Follow This strategically adopts a marginal narrative, designed to persuade incumbents of alternative interpretations, especially to rethink the profitability of fossil fuels. Third, Friends of the Earth NL and Follow This enhance their discursive agency through coalition building. Since unlocking institutionalized discourses becomes more important, further research should shed light on discursive dynamics within the institutionalized discourse. By offering insights into the pivotal role(s) of counternarratives in instigating discursive change, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge crucial for accelerating the shift toward a decarbonized energy system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101546"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142327816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101545
Isidro Téllez-Ramírez, María Teresa Sánchez-Salazar
This study analyzes the historical evolution of monopoly capital in the mining-metallurgical sector in Mexico during 1960–2023, focusing on the cases of the companies Grupo México and Industrias Peñoles. The main corporate strategies used to maintain and expand their control are reviewed, as well as the economic policies and legal changes that occurred in parallel with this process, from the Mexicanization of the industry to the implementation of neoliberal policies. It is concluded that the trajectory of mining monopolies is based on the appropriation of growing revenues through land monopolization and the formation of a corporate-government network, leading to an increasing concentration of wealth and the generation of prolonged socio-environmental conflicts.
{"title":"Mining-metallurgical monopoly capital in Mexico, 1960–2023","authors":"Isidro Téllez-Ramírez, María Teresa Sánchez-Salazar","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study analyzes the historical evolution of monopoly capital in the mining-metallurgical sector in Mexico during 1960–2023, focusing on the cases of the companies Grupo México and Industrias Peñoles. The main corporate strategies used to maintain and expand their control are reviewed, as well as the economic policies and legal changes that occurred in parallel with this process, from the Mexicanization of the industry to the implementation of neoliberal policies. It is concluded that the trajectory of mining monopolies is based on the appropriation of growing revenues through land monopolization and the formation of a corporate-government network, leading to an increasing concentration of wealth and the generation of prolonged socio-environmental conflicts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101545"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142327815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Despite being rich in gem resources, the Passara, and Lunugala areas of Sri Lanka continue to experience poor economic and social development, lagging other regions of the country. This disparity raises the need to examine the underlying causes of their stagnation, despite the potential of the gem mining industry to drive growth. Therefore, the research problem seeks to explore "How do socio-economic challenges, financial inequities, and traditional practices in the rural gem mining industry of Passara, and Lunugala in Badulla district hinder its contribution to sustainable development and equitable growth?". Hence, the objectives of this study are two-fold: firstly, to identify the socio-economic challenges faced by workers and owners in the rural gem mining industry of Passara, and Lunugala. Secondly, to investigate financial disparities and power dynamics between investors/owners and workers in the gem mining sector, focusing on their impact on sustainable development. The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing interpretivism and inductive reasoning to assess the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of five investors/owners and fifteen workers in gem mining. The findings highlight critical socio-economic hurdles, financial disparities between owners and workers, and the need for policy interventions to foster equitable growth and environmental sustainability. Key recommendations include implementing Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) practices, advancing mining techniques, and introducing robust labor laws.
{"title":"Exploring socio-economic and financial dimensions of rural small-scale gem mining in Passara, and Lunugala areas of Sri Lanka: Implications for sustainable development","authors":"Gayithri Niluka Kuruppu , Nimila Dushyantha , Jeevatharani Thavendrem , Vidshan Mananjaya , Gimhani Nipunika , Titus Cooray","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite being rich in gem resources, the Passara, and Lunugala areas of Sri Lanka continue to experience poor economic and social development, lagging other regions of the country. This disparity raises the need to examine the underlying causes of their stagnation, despite the potential of the gem mining industry to drive growth. Therefore, the research problem seeks to explore \"How do socio-economic challenges, financial inequities, and traditional practices in the rural gem mining industry of Passara, and Lunugala in Badulla district hinder its contribution to sustainable development and equitable growth?\". Hence, the objectives of this study are two-fold: firstly, to identify the socio-economic challenges faced by workers and owners in the rural gem mining industry of Passara, and Lunugala. Secondly, to investigate financial disparities and power dynamics between investors/owners and workers in the gem mining sector, focusing on their impact on sustainable development. The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing interpretivism and inductive reasoning to assess the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of five investors/owners and fifteen workers in gem mining. The findings highlight critical socio-economic hurdles, financial disparities between owners and workers, and the need for policy interventions to foster equitable growth and environmental sustainability. Key recommendations include implementing Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) practices, advancing mining techniques, and introducing robust labor laws.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101544"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2024.101541
Bruno Milanez , Daniele Costa , Luiz Jardim Wanderley
This study adopts life cycle analysis tools to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Brazil's iron ore sector. It is based on the assumption that when commodities are extracted strictly for export, ignoring the impacts of logistics might undervalue these products’ contribution to climate change. Therefore, we calculate the emissions associated with land use change, mining, ore processing, pelletisation, land transport, and international shipping. Iron ore is used as the case study because it is the most traded metal in the global market. This research is grounded in secondary data obtained from public databases of Brazilian agencies for the 2016–2020 period. When reliable information is unavailable, the Ecoinvent database is used and adjusted for the Brazilian context. This study evaluates the emissions of one tonne of iron ore and pellets. Estimates indicate that deforestation/land use, mining and processing, domestic transport, pellet production, and international shipping represent 9 %, 38 %, 11 %, 13 %, and 29 % of the GHG emissions of Brazil's iron ore sector, respectively.
{"title":"Life cycle assessment of iron ore in Brazil: The importance of system boundaries","authors":"Bruno Milanez , Daniele Costa , Luiz Jardim Wanderley","doi":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exis.2024.101541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study adopts life cycle analysis tools to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Brazil's iron ore sector. It is based on the assumption that when commodities are extracted strictly for export, ignoring the impacts of logistics might undervalue these products’ contribution to climate change. Therefore, we calculate the emissions associated with land use change, mining, ore processing, pelletisation, land transport, and international shipping. Iron ore is used as the case study because it is the most traded metal in the global market. This research is grounded in secondary data obtained from public databases of Brazilian agencies for the 2016–2020 period. When reliable information is unavailable, the Ecoinvent database is used and adjusted for the Brazilian context. This study evaluates the emissions of one tonne of iron ore and pellets. Estimates indicate that deforestation/land use, mining and processing, domestic transport, pellet production, and international shipping represent 9 %, 38 %, 11 %, 13 %, and 29 % of the GHG emissions of Brazil's iron ore sector, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47848,"journal":{"name":"Extractive Industries and Society-An International Journal","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101541"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142315226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}