The impact of mining on sustainable practices and the traditional culture of developing countries
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The impact of mining on sustainable practices and the traditional culture of developing countries Joseph Muchiri Githiria 1
&
Moshood Onifade 2
# AESS 2020
Abstract Mining has played a part in the economic development of developed countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia. However, the mining economic growth connection varies considerably from that claimed in the historical analogy reasoning. It is not evident that these countries’ historical experience applies to modern developing nations due to modifications in the nature of the world economy. Some studies indicated that mineral resources in a developing country present a unique opportunity for its citizens to attain levels of socio-economic development equivalent to the first world. Ideally, through good governance practices, this could be realised without having to compromise their traditional and cultural integrity. In reality, though, the very opposite is normally true. There are varying definitions of sustainable development available. In the context of this paper, it defines sustainable development as ‘a means of development that does not compromise the traditional and cultural integrity of a people but works towards a better standard of living’. From a neutral perspective, this paper aims to critically evaluate issues relating to the impact mining has had on sustainable practices and the traditional culture of people in the developing world. This is achieved through an in-depth analysis of practical examples taken from Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria. This paper aims at providing a balanced, non-biased perspective of the common pros and cons of mining that can relate to developing countries in a generic sense. The issues elaborated in greater detail in this study relate to good/bad governance practices, corruption, child labour and spread of diseases. Keywords Social impacts . Environmental impacts . Sustainability . Mining . Developing countries
Introduction Mining in developing countries generates much-needed employment and infuses revenue not only in the local community but also into the national economy. Along with the benefits of education, healthcare and employment, the industry also provides communities with infrastructure and encourages support industries. Mining, however, tends to have an impact on the
* Joseph Muchiri Githiria [email protected] Moshood Onifade [email protected] 1
School of Mines and Engineering, Taita Taveta University, Voi, Kenya
2
Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
social structure and traditions where remote communities are involved. Article 7 of Convention No. 169 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) states that indigenous and tribal peoples have the right to ‘decide their own priorities for the process of development as it affects their lives, beliefs, institutions, and spiritual well-being and the lands they occupy or otherwise use, and to exercise control over their economic, social and cultural development’. In addition, one o
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