Mining in the Chatkal Valley in Kyrgyzstan—Challenge of social sustainability

• Published in: Resources policy Vol. 39; pp. 80 - 87
• Main Authors: Tiainen, Heidi, Sairinen, Rauno, Novikov, Viktor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2014
• Subjects: Assessments; Communities; Community development; Conflict; Cooperation; Economics; Government and politics; Industry; Investors; Kyrgyzstan; Local communities; Local conflicts; Mining; Mining industry; National economy; Responsible mining; Social impacts; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Valleys; Kyrgyzstan; Responsible mining; Community development; Social impacts; Local conflicts
• ISSN: 0301-4207; 1873-7641
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2013.11.005

During the last decade, to boost the national economy, Kyrgyzstan has strived to develop its mining industry through efforts to attract foreign investors. However, at the same time, Kyrgyzstan has had an increasing number of conflicts between mining companies and local communities. Study of the Chatkal Valley case suggests that the local resistance now leading to severe conflicts may have been encouraged by poor governance of the mining industry and lack of cooperation between stakeholders, also contributing are the industry's and some levels of government's lack of acknowledgment of social impacts. The article argues that adequate assessment and management of the social impacts of mining are vital to the sustainable development of both the industry and the society in which it operates. •We examine community acceptance of mining in poor and remote mountain areas.•We analyze social and community impacts of mining in Kyrgyzstan in Chatkal Valley.•We analyze the policies of social assessment of mining in state of Kyrgyzstan.•Information on social aspects forwards social development management in mining.•The results provide information for comparative studies from other countries.