Mining Conflict and the Politics of Obtaining a Social License: Insight from Guatemala

摘要: Mining as a development strategy has become ubiquitous throughout the developing world. However, if mining firms want to take advantage of most mineral-rich terrain in countries, they must engage with communities living near projected operations. Firms may sometimes use violence quiet local opposition, but increasingly, will seek “social license operate.” This term refers not legal requirements firm obtain, such governmental and environmental clearances, rather elusive support affected population that help avoid project delays, maintain positive public image, prevent further regulation industry. There is lack research on how pursue social operate. Through qualitative case study conflict Guatemala, this article addresses two questions: First, do obtain operate, practice? Second, what results from process? Using mix data collected 2009–2011, analyzes large Guatemalan construction materials firm, Cementos Progreso, sought operate indigenous municipality San Juan Sacatepequez, results. An alliance state constructed new institutions for citizen participation governance, promoted within them idea was complementary development, backed up discourse tangible Government transparency accountability improved, did provision basic services. The findings suggest state, especially designed encourage can play crucial role determining whether