Mining Development and Human Security In Ethiopia: Case Study on Midroc Lege Dembi Gold Mine, in Odo Shakiso Woreda of Oromia Regional State
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Date
2019-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Mining industry has the potential to significantly contribute to Ethiopia‟s economic development.
However, such projects are also recognized as one of the most pressing areas of human security
threats. The study examines the human security implications of mining development projects in
Ethiopia, by taking the case of MIDROC gold mine in Odo Shakiso Woreda of Oromia Regional
State. It also investigates the regulatory frameworks and the dynamics of MIDROC gold mine -
Odo Shakiso community conflict. To this end, the study employed a qualitative research
approach. The data was collected through interviews, document review, personal observation,
and FGDs and analyzed thematically. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select
informants from the community, officials from the company and the government and subject area
experts based on their experience, expertise, and resourcefulness. Snowball sampling technique
was also employed to select informants from the victims. The researcher faced with fear and
suspicion of informants to provide the relevant information during the data collection, but
managed by ensuring confidentiality and anonymity of information and identity of informants.
The findings of the study confirm the human security threats of MIDROC gold mine on the
health, environment and economic status of the Odo Shakiso community. The mineral extraction
/mining method, chemicals and wastes and the expansion projects of the mine cited as the
potential source of threats. The findings also confirmed the inadequate threat mitigation
strategies of MIDROC and the regulatory organs inability to oversee inspect and regulate the
daily operations of the mine. It is, therefore, the sum total of the mine‟s human security threat,
little regulatory oversight by regional and federal governments, and lack of local development
contribution that aggravated local‟s grievance over the mine. This grievance escalated to
widespread anti-mine opposition which resulted in project suspension and several human and
material lost. The finding also disclosed the country‟s failure to mutually reinforce human
security and development on its mining development projects and affirmed the inextricable
nature of peace, development and human security. Finally, the finding suggested victim‟s
compensation, environmental reclamation, the establishment of viable institution and sound
policy framework, the reengineering of CDPs, the implementation of participatory, transparent
and accountable system for stakeholders engagement and responsible mining
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Keywords
Human Security, Mining Development, MIDROC Gold Mine, Odo Shakiso Woreda