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This Mine is Mine! How Minerals Fuel Conflicts in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Nicolas Berman
  • Mathieu Couttenier
  • Dominic Rohner
  • Mathias Thoenig
Abstract
We combine original geo-referenced data on mining extraction of 15 minerals with information on conflict events at spatial resolution of 0.5o x 0.5o for all Africa over 1997-2010. Exploiting exogenous variations in world prices, we find a positive impact of mining on conict at the local level. Quantitatively, the historical rise in prices (commodity super-cycle) explains 15-25 percent of average country-level violence in Africa. We then document how the appropriation of a mining area by a fighting group contributes to the escalation from local to global violence. Finally, we analyze the impact of corporate practices and transparency initiatives in the mining industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Berman & Mathieu Couttenier & Dominic Rohner & Mathias Thoenig, 2015. "This Mine is Mine! How Minerals Fuel Conflicts in Africa," CESifo Working Paper Series 5409, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_5409
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    minerals; mines; conflict; fighting; natural resources; rebellion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • Q34 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts

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