The course will examine the social, political and economic relationships between indigenous peoples and other stakeholders involved in the development of large-scale mining projects.  Particular attention will be paid to the distribution of power, costs, benefits, rights and responsibilities between mining companies, government agencies and local communities under different legal and political regimes.  The role of social scientists in the negotiation of relationships between indigenous communities and mining companies will also be considered.  The first three weeks of the course will deal with the national and international policy regimes through which the customs, knowledge, rights and interests of indigenous peoples have been recognised.  The remaining nine weeks will look at specific social, political and economic issues arising from the engagement of indigenous peoples with the minerals industry in different jurisdictions.  Consideration of each issue will be based on case study material primarily drawn from Australia, South Africa, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.  

Students who satisfy the requirements of this course will have the knowledge and skills in relation to indigenous communities and mining projects to:


·                     Understand the history of legal and policy frameworks regulating the relationships between mining companies and indigenous communities;

·                     Explain the key debates among social scientists about the engagement of indigenous peoples with the minerals industry;

·                     Apply this knowledge to the task of negotiating this engagement in different political settings; and

·                     Know when and where to look for additional expert advice to secure outcomes from this engagement.

Written tasks totalling 5000 words (80%) and participation in online activities (20%).

Good internet access required

ANTH8044 and ANTH8047