Multidimensional poverty and small-scale mining in the shadow of large-scale mines in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the novel concept of a ‘residual landscape’ to examine the effects of mine closure on local landscapes and lives. Drawing on our study of the abandoned Tolukuma Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG), we describe the experiences of the people who attempt to make a living from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) on this residual landscape. We then present fieldwork data on the poverty status of households in Tolukuma based on the use and modification of the Oxford Multidimensional Poverty Index assessment tool. This data is offered against village level poverty assessments in comparable regions in PNG where mining induced impacts have likewise been studied. By attending to the residual landscape, and the livelihood activities occurring on this landscape, we challenge the large-scale bias evident in the literature on mining and highlight the spatial and temporal features of co-existence models driving debates within academic and policy literature on ASM. Importantly, the significant level of ASM activity occurring on the Tolukuma residual landscape provides an opportunity to re-think assumptions about the drivers and experiences of poverty. Specifically, we ask, is it possible for people who appear to be successfully harvesting gold to be categorically poor? And if so, how does this seemingly impossible situation arise? Our data demonstrates why poor people appear to favour large-scale mining despite the harms generated by these activities. We argue that the history of Tolukuma should be read as a cautionary tale for future resource projects noting the persistence of these residual effects throughout the operational and post-operational phase of the mine.