Do Anti-Mining Conflicts Improve Water Governance?

• In Event: The Governance and Management of Mineral Resources in Latin America

Abstract

This paper examines whether anti-mining conflicts have been successful in improving water governance in Latin America. It develops and utilizes an evaluative framework based on innovation and improvement in five key governance parameters. Using the evaluative framework, the paper examines the effects on water governance of three anti-mining conflicts: the Marlin gold and silver mine in Guatemala (Goldcorp); the Conga copper and gold mine in Peru (Newmont); and the gold mine in Fatamina, Argentina (Osisko). The paper concludes that anti-mining conflicts have successfully propelled better water governance, primarily by putting water on the political agenda and prompting innovations in water management by both governments and companies. However, two key aspects of water governance - the definition of legal rights to water and a secure voice for local and indigenous communities in water allocation and management - are still awaiting significant improvement.

Author

• Lyuba Zarsky, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey