This thesis investigates the impact of the People’s Republic of China's environmental colonialism on Tibetan indigenous practices and beliefs, focusing on land as a central cultural element. Since...Show moreThis thesis investigates the impact of the People’s Republic of China's environmental colonialism on Tibetan indigenous practices and beliefs, focusing on land as a central cultural element. Since 2000, the Chinese colonisers implemented policies aimed at the development and ecological protection of the Tibetan Plateau, leading to forced displacement, land dispossession, destruction of sacred sites, and cultural erasure of Tibetans. Through a comprehensive literature review, the paper examines the concept of cultural genocide under colonial occupation, Chinese environmental colonialism, and the significance of land in Tibetan culture and religion. Drawing on scholarly discourse, the study reveals how Chinese environmental policies constitute a form of cold genocide, gradually undermining Tibetan culture and identity through structural violence and assimilation tactics. By exploring two case studies, namely the Sanjiangyuan National Park, Amdo region, and anti-mining protests in Driru County, U-Tsang region, this thesis underscores the urgency of addressing cultural genocide in Tibet and advocating for the preservation of indigenous cultures worldwide.Show less
Although Guinea has great economic potential on paper due to its mineral resources and enormous water reserves, it has not yet been able to develop this potential and even lags behind other African...Show moreAlthough Guinea has great economic potential on paper due to its mineral resources and enormous water reserves, it has not yet been able to develop this potential and even lags behind other African countries with no or significantly fewer natural resources in terms of economic development. In examining the mechanisms behind the resource bauxite and operations in Guinea directly, several obstacles were discovered that are or may be responsible for Guinea's low profitability. Contrary to prevailing assumptions in the resource curse debate, Guinea's economic problems appear to depend not only on institutional quality, corruption, and economic mismanagement, but also on the unequal power relations of the Guinean government vis-à-vis foreign mining companies and powerful states. This thesis examines potential constraints for Guinea arising from the aluminum value chain, as well as those, arising directly from bauxite operations in Guinea. For this purpose, the operations of three major bauxite companies in Guinea were studied in detail: CBG (Compagnie des Bauxite des Guinée), headquartered in the USA, Great Britain and the Channel Islands as well as SMB, headquartered in China and CBK, headquartered in Russia. The mechanisms behind the aluminum value chain, bauxite mining, and its importance to Guinea were examined through a qualitative secondary analysis.Show less
Economic recovery in Sierra Leone after the devastating 1991-2002 civil war has rested to a great extent on the booming iron ore sector. The thesis analyses the development of this sector in light...Show moreEconomic recovery in Sierra Leone after the devastating 1991-2002 civil war has rested to a great extent on the booming iron ore sector. The thesis analyses the development of this sector in light of academic discussions on the growing role of China in the economies of Sub-Saharan Africa and the literature on the financialization of the economy with a particular emphasis on the extraction and trade of mineral commodities. It uses the country’s leading iron ore mining firms, African Minerals Ltd. and London Mining Plc., as a case study. Financialization, here defined as growing importance of financial institutions, e.g., private equity firms, over the real economy, leads firms to increasingly tailor their business to deliver shareholder value in the short term. Rising demand for mineral resources in China drove investment in resource extraction. The operations of both companies were profoundly shaped by the demands of investors, resulting in a prioritisation of shareholder value over all other business considerations. This model of resource extraction could only be viable under extremely favourable economic and fiscal conditions. These findings suggest that the developmental potential of iron mining in Sierra Leone is undermined by the process of financialization.Show less
This thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining...Show moreThis thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining activities on the Lumwana community. To find out how the community has been impacted, the study combined primary and secondary data collection including a small survey, open and structured interviews,a documentary research, field observations and focus group discussions. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles.Show less
The arrival of a Canadian mining company in the Nicaraguan village of Rancho Grande has been met with organised resistance by the local population. This thesis uses Gidden's Stucturation theory to...Show moreThe arrival of a Canadian mining company in the Nicaraguan village of Rancho Grande has been met with organised resistance by the local population. This thesis uses Gidden's Stucturation theory to examine how the mining company and the protest movement have interacted with existing village structures - changing them in the process. Furthermore, it examines how individuals have used their agency to use these changes to their advantage. In doing so it provides an illustration of the social effects that multinational mining companies can have on Latin American communities as well as analysing the relationship between structure and agency.Show less
