COMMENTARY — Mining and communities

So-called indigenous people number about 300 million. They live in 70 countries and belong to roughly 4,000 cultural groups. They have historical continuity with pre-colonial societies, and are often marginalized in the countries in which they live. In recent years, attempts have been made by the international community to redress the iniquities of the past. This effort has been accompanied by an important shift in attitudes toward recognizing the rights and historical ties to land of indigenous peoples.

Mining, by its very nature, operates in remote areas, frequently near indigenous communities. This, together with the fact that societal aspects of resource development are increasingly being linked to environmental considerations, has implications for resource industries. The relationship between mining and indigenous communities offers benefits and challenges for both sides.

There is a desire on the part of indigenous peoples for more participation in the mining industry, and a greater share in its benefits. Indeed, in many remote areas, mining offers the only viable economic opportunity.

Hans Matthews, president of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, views establishing relations with mineral companies as a way for aboriginal communities in Canada to achieve economic self-sufficiency. He has identified several obstacles to full aboriginal participation in the minerals industry. These include a lack of knowledge of the mining industry on the part of aboriginal communities, resulting in lost opportunities to supply goods and services to mining operations, and a reluctance on the part of the industry to hire people lacking the requisite skills. A lack of clarity concerning land ownership, together with an industry requirement for certainty in its investment decisions, has meant that the industry often has had to deal with governments, bypassing local communities.

Matthews stressed the importance of direct relationships between communities and mining companies, noting that by tapping into community knowledge of environment, it is possible to make mining development and operations more socially and environmentally responsible.

— The preceding views were derived from a workshop on indigenous peoples and mining, sponsored by the International Council of Metals and the Environment.