Towards a negotiated solution to conflicts between large-scale and small-scale miners? The Acupan contract mining project in the Philippines

摘要: Recent decades have witnessed a simultaneous expansion of large-scale mining and artisanal small-scale (ASM). In an increasing number instances, ASM-operators companies are competing or even clashing over access to mineral deposits. A growing experts now proposing negotiated solutions, which attempt accommodate the interests as well ASM-operators. Building on critical case study Acupan Contract Mining Project (ACMP) in Philippines, it is argued that this type settlement may reflect reinforce historically rooted inequalities, not just between ASM mining, but also within ASM-sector. While company small group ASM-interests benefiting from ACMP, informal ASM-workforce subjected exploitative labor regime. By engaging selectively with local elites, initiatives like ACMP risk replicating some shortcomings other reform initiatives. To prevent happening, attempts devise arrangements need be complemented efforts understand redress power imbalances