The mining sector has been an integral part of economic development in
many African countries. Although minerals have been exploited for
decades in these countries, the benefits have not always been as
visible. This has necessitated reforms including nationalisation of
mining activities in the distant past; and currently legal and
regulatory reforms. This book gives an insight of these reforms and with
reference to the fieldwork research undertaken by the author in some
African countries, the book highlights the social and environmental
impacts of mining activities in Africa.
The central question of the book is, why the mining laws have worked in
some countries but not others and what can be done to ensure that these
laws are effective? Consequently, the book analyses the legal reforms
made in the sector and highlights both the challenges and the
opportunities for foreign investors as well as the African governments
and local communities. The book will be of great interest to researchers
and students in Energy and Geography related fields, as well as to
practitioners and policy makers.