Socio-technical context of the interactions between large-scale and small-scale mining in Marmato, Colombia

Abstract

This paper identifies the intersecting technical and social factors that have fueled a history of conflict between artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and large-scale mining, and more recently, their potential coexistence, in Marmato, Colombia. At Marmato, a vertically zoned ore body and corresponding vertically stacked land claims have in part fueled tensions between ASM and large-scale mining. These same characteristics have also given rise to a scenario which could facilitate the coexistence of both parties. The case of Marmato has implications for policy and decision-making around relations between ASM and large-scale mining elsewhere, notably: 1) how a politicization of natural hazards can exacerbate existing asymmetries in power, wealth, and risk; 2) some deposit types such as epithermal veins may be particularly suited to coexistence, but site-specific characteristics determine whether the technically feasible mining methods could facilitate or preclude coexistence; 3) how equity is central to successful coexistence; and 4) how approaches such as contract mining will need to integrate social and technical considerations.