Explaining fragmented and fluid mobilization in gold mining concessions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Article (Accepted Version) http://sro.sussex.ac.uk Geenen, Sara and Verweijen, Judith (2017) Explaining fragmented and fluid mobilization in gold mining concessions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Extractive Industries and Society, 4 (4). pp. 758-765.

The End of the African Mining Enclave? Domestic Marginalization and Labour Fragmentation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

“…Meanwhile, the organizational fragmentation resulting from corporate outsourcing has weakened the position and collective strength of labour, reflected in an acquiescent workforce despite the subsistence‐level and declining wages, and poor access to benefits experienced by many of the mine's workers. Corporate outsourcing can thus be added to the four corporate practices identified by Geenen and Verweijen (: 763) as interacting with existing conditions to ‘undermine the coherence and sustainability of social mobilization’ against Banro in the region . More generally, this reflects the findings in Newsome et al.…”

“…These four practices are: ‘The co‐optation of local leaders and dissenters; acquiescence of favouritism related to access to benefits; fostering a climate of repression; and rhetorical rather than real commitment towards community participation’ (Geenen and Verweijen, : 763).…”

Luddites in the Congo?

“…But the practices of LSM companies, seen to symbolize 'Western wealth', are generally also viewed in the light of the Congo's history of natural resources plunder by foreign forces. As a result, they become framed in terms of (neo)colonialism and imperialism (Geenen and Verweijen 2017).…”

“…Popular discontent is aggravated by local politics and elite manipulation, which undermine companies' efforts at compensation, 'development' promotion and alternative livelihood provision. Local elites vie for controlling the distribution of the economic opportunities created by LSM, including by claiming to 'represent the population' (Geenen and Hönke 2014;Geenen and Verweijen 2017). The resulting conflicts are central to what Hardin (2011, S113) calls 'concessionary politics', describing the local political dynamics generated by the presence of concession companies.…”

Resistencia antiminera en espacios formales de gobernanza: El caso de CASCOMI en Ecuador

“…Lo que caracteriza la resistencia antiminera es el uso de múltiples recursos que continuamente cambia debido a la alteración en las reglas de juego por parte de las autoridades y la empresa (Geenen & Verweijen, 2017). Esta dinámica desigual entre activistas y el Estado-empresa forma parte de lo que Kirsch (2014) nombra "políticas del tiempo" -respuestas y contrarrespuestas con el fin de ganar tiempo o aplazar la ejecución de medidas.…”