Mining enterprise and partnerships for socio-economic development

Partnerships are emerging as important for the business operations of mining enterprises in many parts of the world, particularly in the global South. During 2010, the London-based International Council on Mining and Minerals launched a global initiative which is geared to strengthen the contribution of mining to development goals and poverty reduction by promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships. The purpose of this article is to furnish a critical review of relevant international experience of partnerships between mining companies and governments. These partnerships are considered to represent innovative cooperation models for economic development (especially diversification) and service delivery. It is argued that whilst partnerships represent an aspect of good business practice for mining enterprises, partnerships are not a panacea and in certain situations may not be an appropriate model for delivering results. In light of the significance of socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, and of the potential for expansion of mining activities, further research is required concerning the operations of mining enterprises and partnerships in this region of the global economy.