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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Samuel Danjuma Wapwera, C. O. Egbu, A. G. Parsa and G. M. Ayanbinpe

– This paper aims to assess the Jos Plateau Tin-mining region as an abandoned mine area being used for housing development with a view to make recommendations.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the Jos Plateau Tin-mining region as an abandoned mine area being used for housing development with a view to make recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising secondary data, which maps out ten different locations in the region, this paper highlights the level of radioactive substances (X-ray, beta and gamma rays) and the presence of heavy metals in the environment, abandoned mines, home for the people as well as housing development within a derelict region. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with heads of selected settlement within the Jos Plateau Tin-mining region.

Findings

Subsequent analysis shows that the radioactive substances exceed the international standards and therefore have a serious impact on the health of the local population who reside in the affected area. This is particularly significant as people use the contaminated soil as a basic material for their homes as well as farming and food production.

Research limitations/implications

With overpopulation of neighbouring city and rising house prices, an increasing number of people have moved to the Tin-mining areas often without any knowledge about the perils of contaminated soil. At the same time, the planning authority has no presence in the affected area, as it falls outside its jurisdiction.

Practical implications

However, there is an urgent need to address this problem and prevent people from moving to this area, otherwise this would become a serious long-term human catastrophe.

Social implications

Drawing from international experience, the paper argues that it is possible to develop housing in former Tin-mining areas but require careful remediation and engagement by the public and private sector.

Originality/value

The discussion in this paper makes a case for appropriate physical planning measure as people build their homes on the abandoned Tin-mining areas, with the presences of heavy metals and radioactive substances which are dangerous to human health where the governments have not made provision to address the problem. It is a bridge linking a previous paper on the environment and now consideration on housing/home which together form part of an ongoing PhD research “A potential application of spatial planning in Jos, Nigeria”.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 19 July 2023

Napoleon Kurantin and Bertha Z. Osei-Hwedie

This chapter presents an investigation into the theory of labour market segmentation and income inequality in the Ghanaian mining sector. Mining activity especially gold mining

Abstract

This chapter presents an investigation into the theory of labour market segmentation and income inequality in the Ghanaian mining sector. Mining activity especially gold mining has been a significant component of exports as well as employment and income earning in the three major mining regions of Ghana. While income growth is an economic benefit, the high incomes associated with the mining sector may lead to greater income inequality. This chapter provides an analysis of mining activity and income inequality in the Western, Eastern, and Ashanti regions of Ghana. The application of labour market segmentation and the Gini coefficient (a measure of inequality) for personal income are found to be significantly associated with the type and levels of mining employment. However, this observation is not linear as income inequality initially increases with mining activity before decreasing at medium to high levels of mining employment, thus following a Kuznets curve pattern. Segregating datasets for indigenous and expatriate staff reveals very different patterns of income inequality. It poignantly increases with indigenous and/or local community personnel relative to expatriate technical personnel at high levels of mining employment; income inequality is lower among the local community residents relative to nationals from other regions and/or from neighbouring countries. This means segmented labour markets (SLM) within the mining industry are likely to be a problem as they result in increased income inequality among locales relative to foreign expatriates.

Details

Inclusive Developments Through Socio-economic Indicators: New Theoretical and Empirical Insights
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-554-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2019

Vincent Charles and Tomonari Sei

Regional competitiveness refers to the capacity of a region to manage its resources and competencies to increase the well-being of its people. Measuring regional competitiveness…

Abstract

Purpose

Regional competitiveness refers to the capacity of a region to manage its resources and competencies to increase the well-being of its people. Measuring regional competitiveness is, thus, a major consideration for policymakers, businesses and the academic community in their endeavour to improve the same. This paper aims to demonstrate a novel way to calculate the regional competitiveness index under a two-stage objective general index (OGI) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compute the regional competitiveness index under a two-stage OGI framework. In the first stage, they aggregate the sub-factor level information into a factor level index; in the second stage, they use the factor level index to obtain a regional competitiveness index.

Findings

The authors discuss the properties of the proposed index in detail. They further analyse five periods of regional competitiveness of Peru spanning the period 2008-2015. Among others, the results reveal the existence of the resource curse of the mining regions of Peru.

Practical implications

The paper is a contribution to the practical measurement of competitiveness.

Social implications

The calculation of a regional competitiveness index is vital for improving the competitiveness of the countries and for reducing regional inequalities.

Originality/value

When compared to the existent methods available in the literature, the advantage of the proposed method resides in the fact that the derived index has a positive correlation with the factor-level indices and the factor-level indices have a positive correlation with the sub-factor-level information.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2017

Kouame Joseph Arthur Kouame, Fuxing Jiang and Zhu Sitao

In rural regions, mining is an activity that employs many people due to the fact that the barriers to entry are sometimes trivial, with very low technology, capital fund, and no…

Abstract

Purpose

In rural regions, mining is an activity that employs many people due to the fact that the barriers to entry are sometimes trivial, with very low technology, capital fund, and no specialized skills required. Many people including children are engaged in artisanal mining in Ivory Coast because they can earn higher incomes in mining than through other traditional activities such as agriculture, which is the main activity in the country. Artisanal mining contributes to reduce abject poverty prevalent in the country and it offers many others opportunities. However, this activity has many negative social impacts. Local people including miners are risking their lives everyday as they are exposed to unsanitary conditions, prostitution, chemical contaminants, and alcoholism, and also due to the large degradation of lands. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

All the data collected during this study were analyzed before some of it was corrected. For data analysis and interpretation, the authors used Word and Excel and other software, and other statistical tools for maps, graphs, and tables.

Findings

The main objective of this paper is to understand how artisanal gold mining in the Ivory Coast affects local livelihoods and the environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study was carried out during the author’s study in China. The data collection between the two countries was too difficult due to the long distance. Many times the network was not reliable for any call and discuss with miners when we are not in the country. The hesitation of miners to give real information to the authors was also a main problem because most of them are illegal miners. Some of the guided questionnaires stayed without feedback for almost three months. The production was sold on a day-to-day basis by the miners in the illegal mining sites, so the authors could not obtain with precision the monthly and annual production to calculate income of the miners.

Originality/value

Some key recommendations for addressing artisanal mining activities in order to have a good option for sustainable management of mineral resources in the country are proposed.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5945

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2017

Minati Sahoo, Dharmabrata Mohapatra and Dukhabandhu Sahoo

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of mining on the livelihood of the inhabitants of Keonjhar district in Odisha, through creation of physical and financial capital…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of mining on the livelihood of the inhabitants of Keonjhar district in Odisha, through creation of physical and financial capital using the sustainable livelihoods framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Principal component analysis technique and discriminant analysis were used to assess the impact of mining on the financial capital. A cross-tabulation analysis with χ2-test has also been carried out to find its impact on physical capital.

Findings

The study reveals that though iron ore mining helps in the augmentation of financial capital of the households, its impact on physical capital is mixed. Households in mining villages enjoy higher average annual and per capita income than those in nonmining villages. There is also a significant difference in the financial capital index of mining and nonmining villages. Even owning of physical assets like TV and motorcycle is significantly higher in mining villages than its nonmining counterparts. But mining has failed to develop the infrastructural facilities and has rendered most of the agricultural land uncultivated.

Originality/value

It is difficult to sustain the benefits arising out of mining over long run due to its finite life span and calls for policy interventions that can lead to sustainable livelihood to the local inhabitants.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 December 2023

Kwame Oduro Amoako, Isaac Oduro Amoako, James Tuffour, Gilbert Zana Naab and Kofi Owiredu-Ghorman

Drawing on both the stakeholder theory and Carroll’s Corporate Social Responsibility Pyramid, this chapter explores sustainability practice challenges of a gold minning…

Abstract

Drawing on both the stakeholder theory and Carroll’s Corporate Social Responsibility Pyramid, this chapter explores sustainability practice challenges of a gold minning multinational enterprise in Ghana. Primary data was collected through observation and the interviewing of multi-stakeholder groups. We found that internal stakeholders perceive sustainability expenditure as costly. However, while employees of the case enterprise see the cost as depleting shareholders’ wealth, managers view them as investment with possible long-term benefits. Meanwhile, the external stakeholders perceive the gold mining enterprise’s sustainability expenditure as meagre and that beneficiary communities are not economically empowered to sustain those investments. Again, we found that government’s inability to clamp down illegal gold mining threatens economic and environmental sustainability. Additionally, members of the host community identify the lack of adequate employment opportunities within the entity as a hindrance to their economic empowerment. We submit that the resolution of the sustainability challenges would contribute to the balancing of stakeholders’ expectations: the conduct of ethical business through compliance to environmental laws; promotion of host communities’ social well-being; and improved economic returns for shareholders. By meeting the needs of stakeholders, gold mining enterprises could gain acceptance in their host communities and boost corporate reputation.

Details

Contextualising African Studies: Challenges and the Way Forward
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-339-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2008

Kathryn McPhail

This paper aims to identify the factors that have allowed some counties to avoid the so‐called “resource curse”; to determine practical steps that can be taken by companies

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors that have allowed some counties to avoid the so‐called “resource curse”; to determine practical steps that can be taken by companies, governments, local communities and aid agencies in collaboration to enhance mining's contribution to poverty reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was conducted collaboratively with the UNCTAD and the World Bank Group, overseen by an independent advisory group, and tested through two multi‐stakeholder workshops. Industry involvement in the initiative took place through an ICMM working group comprising around 20 companies and chambers of mines.

Findings

Success depended on three factors: reformed mineral legislation, improved macroeconomic management and some improvements in governance.

Research limitations/implications

Although the robust nature of the processes employed can be demonstrated, the explicit aim of identifying factors that allow certain “successful” countries to avoid the resource curse has inherent limitations.

Practical implications

Companies, governments, donors and other actors need to work together to help strengthen capacity in mining countries and regions, particularly at the sub‐national level.

Originality/value

Mining and metals companies have been at the forefront of some of the most innovative multi‐stakeholder processes of any industry sector. The paper outlines the causes, such as its poor reputation among stakeholder groups, and explores how the industry has sought to become more accountable to its stakeholders by demonstrably improving its sustainable development performance.

Details

Corporate Governance: The international journal of business in society, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2024

Hasanuzzaman, Kaustov Chakraborty and Surajit Bag

Sustainability is a major challenge for India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining industry. The government has prioritized sustainable growth in the coal mining industry. It is putting forth…

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainability is a major challenge for India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining industry. The government has prioritized sustainable growth in the coal mining industry. It is putting forth multifaceted economic, environmental and social efforts to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research aims to identify the factors for sustainable improvements in coal mining operations. Secondly, this study examines the intensity of causal relations among the factors. Thirdly, this study examines whether causal relations exist among the factors to be considered for sustainable improvement in coal mining operations. Lastly, the study aims to understand how the factors ensure sustainable improvement in coal mining operations.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated three-phase methodology was applied to identify the critical factors related to coal mining and explore the contextual relationships among the identified factors. Fifteen critical factors were selected based on the Delphi technique. Subsequently, the fifteen factors were analyzed to determine the contextual and causal relationships using the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and DEMATEL methods.

Findings

The study identified “Extraction of Coal and Overburden” as the leading factor for sustainable improvement in coal mining operations, because it directly or indirectly influences the overall mining operation, environmental impact and resource utilization. Hence, strict control measures are necessary in “Extraction of Coal and Overburden” to ensure sustainable coal mining. Conversely, “Health Impact” is the lagging factor as it has very low or no impact on the system. Therefore, it requires fewer control mechanisms. Nevertheless, control measures for the remaining factors must be decided on a priority basis.

Practical implications

The proposed structural model can serve as a framework for enhancing sustainability in India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining operations. This framework can also be applied to other developing nations with similar sustainability concerns, providing valuable guidance for sustainable operations.

Originality/value

The current study highlights the significance of logical links and dependencies between several parameters essential to coal mining sustainability. Furthermore, it leads to the development of a well-defined control sequence that identifies the causal linkages between numerous components needed to achieve real progress towards sustainability.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

Ruth Capriles

The occasion of globalization mobilizes internal forces and local leaders into using external forces, allying with alien (national and global) actors to achieve local goals; and…

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Abstract

The occasion of globalization mobilizes internal forces and local leaders into using external forces, allying with alien (national and global) actors to achieve local goals; and letting themselves being used by alien interests and made part of global goals. In the Amazons region, particularly, there has been an emergence of local actors and space‐time structures that deserve attention when devising viable structures in the global world. In this paper, our purpose is to watch some of the actors that interact in the region and learn how, underneath globalization, history depends much on the leaders of local projects. Looks at two modalities: one in Brazil and one in Venezuela.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2020

Amanpreet Kaur and Wei Qian

This paper aims to examine the nature and level of disclosures on engagement with Aboriginal communities by Australian mining companies.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the nature and level of disclosures on engagement with Aboriginal communities by Australian mining companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of annual and sustainability reports of Australian Stock Exchange listed companies was undertaken to address the central research aim of this paper. An Aboriginal engagement framework was developed based on the five dimensions suggested by Reconciliation Australia.

Findings

The findings of the study report an overall low level of disclosures on Aboriginal engagement by mining companies and reveal that corporate disclosures largely focus on Land and Native title agreements, Aboriginal employment and corporate investment in Aboriginal socio-economic development. The least reported issues include Aboriginal immersion experience, Aboriginal inclusion in leadership roles and commitment to the reconciliation process. The findings of the study suggest that although corporate engagement practices have started to recognise and incorporate marginalised stakeholder rights and issues, only a few companies have created necessary avenues to empower Aboriginal communities. Regarding the reconciliation process, the findings reveal that the companies are mostly reporting on only three out of the five dimensions of the framework.

Practical implications

This study provides a better understanding of the current state of Aboriginal engagement practices in the mining sector, in particular the issues and gaps in reporting Aboriginal engagement to align it with the national reconciliation process, which will be useful for policymakers and, possibly, standard setters to develop future Aboriginal engagement and disclosure policies.

Originality/value

In spite of the rapid development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure, disclosure of corporate impacts on Aboriginal people and reconciliation with Aboriginal communities has been given little attention in business CSR practice and previous CSR disclosure literature. This research fills this gap and investigates the increasing uptake of Aboriginal engagement disclosures by business corporations.

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