Africa's Mineral Fortune ― The Science and Politics of Mining and Sustainable Development

For too long Africa's mineral fortune has been lamented as a resource curse that has led to conflict rather than development for much of the continent. Yet times are changing and the opportunities to bring technical expertise on modern mining alongside appropriate governance mechanisms for social development are becoming more accessible in Africa.

This book synthesizes perspectives from multiple disciplines to address Africa’s development goals in relation to its mineral resources. The authors cover ways of addressing a range of policy challenges, environmental concerns, and public health impacts and also consider the role of globalization within the extractive industries. Academic research is coupled with key field vignettes from practitioners exemplifying case studies throughout. The book summarizes the challenges of natural resource governance, suggesting ways in which mining can be more effectively managed in Africa. By providing an analytical framework it highlights the essential intersection between natural and social sciences, central to efficient and effective harnessing of the potential for minerals and mining to be a contributor to positive development in Africa.

It will be of interest to policy makers, industry professionals, and researchers in the extractive industries, as well as to the broader development community.

Saleem H. Ali is Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment at the University of Delaware, USA. He also holds Adjunct Professor status for both the Global Change Institute and the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland, Australia, where he previously served as Chair in Sustainable Resource Development and Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy.

Kathryn Sturman is Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining at the Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Australia. She is an international relations specialist in resource governance and policy considerations of mining for human security and development.

Nina Collins is the Mining Advocacy Coordinator at Oxfam Australia, focusing on the operations of Australian mining, oil, and gas companies operating in developing countries and their impacts on communities. She is also an Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Australia.