Mining-Induced Displacement, Resettlement, and Human Rights

Introduction and Background

Present-day economic development gives rise to a substantially greater magnitude of resettlement than in previous decades. Over the past six decades, the worldwide scale of development-induced displacement and resettlement has grown to an estimated 250 million to over 400 million people (Terminski, 2012). Across the globe, development projects have resulted in approximately 15 million people facing displacement on an annual basis (Van der Ploeg and Vanclay, 2017). Even though mining is not deemed a statistically significant classification of development-induced displacement, the social costs of mining exploitation are substantial.

The issue of mining-induced displacement and resettlement (MIDR) is an international predicament taking place on all continents. Nations that have experienced especially large-scale MIDR include China, Indonesia, India, and several nations in Africa such as Botswana and Ghana (Terminski, 2012). Although mining-induced displacement is an international phenomenon, the difficulties faced by displaced communities in various parts of the world vary greatly. The social and human rights issues affecting displaced populations differ depending on where those populations reside. Resettlement instigated by mining is part of the wider context of development-induced displacement and resettlement (Terminski, 2013).

Problem Statement

In recent years, the mining industry has become increasingly embedded in complex and contentious social policy debates, including business and human rights, conflict minerals such as blood diamonds, and negotiated agreements. Displacement and resettlement of affected communities have emerged as significant subject matters and policy concerns attracting the attention of the industry. For the most part, the mining industry is linked with decisions that carry significant social repercussions.

One of the adverse impacts of contemporary mining is the coercion of large numbers of people into relinquishing their homes and places of residence. In the contemporary setting, mining-induced displacement and resettlement encompass significant social issues and represent a challenge for human rights (Terminski, 2012). MIDR is inherently complex, encompassing several social, spatial, and political changes with long-term effects on people and projects. Whereas there is no intrinsic reason to assume that resettlement must be a harmful process, the nature, nuances, and coping strategies of communities affected by MIDR are not yet well understood. There remains a lack of information with which to scrutinize the capacity of the industry, or of affected communities, to meet the challenges of settings defined by MIDR.

Literature Review

Regardless of their primary aim, and whether instigated by governments or private entities, large development and infrastructure projects typically require land. This requirement, for the most part, gives rise to the dislocation of persons and communities residing in those areas. Moreover, even in circumstances where people are not required to move, project developments may still affect their everyday livelihoods and sources of income, either provisionally or permanently (Vanclay, 2017). In their endeavor to attain economic growth and development, host governments are often swayed by the opportunities of mining-linked revenues and infrastructure schemes. Nonetheless, mining may simultaneously have extensive adverse impacts on local inhabitants and the environment, seriously endangering the livelihoods and environments upon which many people depend (Noorani, 2013).

Terminski (2013) indicates that mining-induced displacement and resettlement is a wide-ranging global issue occurring in all parts of the world, and is not only a socio-economic problem but also a human rights problem. Social problems affecting displaced persons vary considerably depending on where they live. Resettlement instigated by mining is part of the wider framework of development-induced displacement and resettlement. MIDR violates numerous human rights, particularly those of an economic and social nature. Mining projects generate numerous opportunities, including revenues, employment, infrastructure, and resources for social development. Mining displacement and the associated risk to human rights are present in numerous nations and regions across the globe. MIDR is not solely a problem of individual human rights violations; it also relates to collective rights, community–corporation clashes, the struggle for resources, access to traditional and arable land, indigenous rights, the question of sovereignty of tribal persons and local societies, and sustainable development (Aboagye, 2014).

Owen and Kemp (2015) indicate that physical dislodgment, relocation, and resettlement are widely recognized as posing significant social risk. MIDR is significantly shaped by factors occurring in "brownfield" project contexts, in the sense that even when the initial displacement originates in otherwise "new" mining developments, forced displacement and resettlement require affected people and communities to bear significant risks in re-establishing their homes, social relations, employment, and subsistence practices—all of which generate manifold levels of stress (Van der Ploeg and Vanclay, 2017).

Aboda et al. (2019) indicate that insufficient compensation of the displaced results in landlessness and homelessness. Financial hardship may also become severe, owing to the need for additional funds for renting accommodation. Research has established that over 80 percent of affected populations live in shelters that are not only temporary but also structurally unsafe. Moreover, even though the advent of development projects implies potential employment opportunities, local inhabitants are rarely hired (Madebwe et al., 2011).

Furthermore, Scudder (2005) indicates that during the resettlement process, persons and families end up being reliant on the company or government for their basic needs. Social cohesion and the quality of relationships between and within households are disrupted and deteriorated, ultimately generating a heightened sense of inequality, discrimination, and injustice. Chakroborty and Narayan (2014) indicate that MIDR can give rise to the loss of both physical and non-physical assets for local communities—including home environments, productive land, access to traditional properties, resources, cultural sites, social structures, and income-generating assets. Owing to MIDR, local communities face the risk of ending up unemployed, impoverished, marginalized, and deprived of access to traditional food sources, while experiencing a loss of social cohesiveness and the disruption of educational and community activities.

Significance

Human rights are fundamental liberties accorded to every human being, which must be acknowledged, respected, and upheld at all times. It is necessary to assess and understand human rights issues in the context of mining-induced displacement and resettlement in order to ascertain the positive and negative impacts of MIDR and the measures that can be taken to ensure that such communities' rights are respected and that those communities are empowered in the long run.

Research Aim

This paper presents literature indicating how MIDR facilitates the violation of human rights in different communities and regions across the world. It differs from previous literature in that it not only addresses violations globally but also seeks to ascertain how MIDR can empower affected communities. It is necessary to assess and understand human rights issues in the context of MIDR as it constitutes a major demographic, socio-economic, and cultural issue, encompassing changes in population dynamics, health effects, economic inequality, and social disruption. These impacts are not merely financial but also social, ethical, and cultural, altering the prevailing lifestyle of communities in a holistic manner (Chakroborty and Narayan, 2014).

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