Large-Scale Gold Mining and Rural Development

Analyzing Political Influence of Transnational Mining Companies in Southern Patagonia

Authors

  • Alexandra Bechtum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v51i204.1950

Keywords:

Extractivism, Latin America, mining companies, Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract

This article analyzes the democratic and developmental impacts of corporate strategies in mining areas of large-scale gold mines. Based on a case study in southern Patagonia, I study the strategies mining companies implement in order to gain social acceptance. For the purpose of the analysis, I distinguish between socio-spatial, political-institutional and content-related dimensions of influence. The paper concludes that mining companies spatialize corporate interests, contribute to an informalization of local decision-making processes and promote the privatization of local policies.

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Published

2021-08-30

How to Cite

Bechtum, A. (2021). Large-Scale Gold Mining and Rural Development: Analyzing Political Influence of Transnational Mining Companies in Southern Patagonia. PROKLA. Journal of Critical Social Science, 51(204), 477–49. https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v51i204.1950