Mining the Connections 2024

International Multi-Network Conference on Mining
May 21-23, 2024 - Marrakech, Morocco

Following the success of the 1st edition of the international conference Mining the Connections, held at Château Laurier in Quebec City on April 25-27, 2022, we are planning a second edition in May 2024 at the Kenzi Rose Garden Hotel in Marrakech, Morocco!

Online registration is open.
The early bird rate is in effect until May 1st, 2024.

Register Now!

All transactions will be made in Canadian dollars (CAD). Payment methods: by credit card only.

Mining the Connections

This international conference explores the many links between mining developments, local communities, transitions and the environment from a multidisciplinary perspective. It seeks to establish and strengthen links between governments, researchers, NGOs, practitioners and community representatives from around the world, in order to continuously improve knowledge about mining development and its impacts.

The 1st edition of the conference was held in Quebec City, Canada, from 25 to 27 April 2022. The 2nd edition will be held in May 2024 at the Kenzi Rose Garden Hotel in Marrakech, Morocco.

Rationale 2022 Report

Hosting Partners

This event is jointly organized by four international research networks studying resource extraction around the world:

Mining is a global industry with intensely local impacts.

Mining activities have major effects on both the natural and social environment. From water pollution to acid mine and rock drainage, from wildlife habitat modification to land and ecosystems degradation, the environmental effects of mining are significant. These vary throughout the life cycle of the mining project, depending on the type of ore being mined, exploration, extraction and treatment methods, and phase of development.

Mineral production also affects the communities where a mine is established. It might create economic wealth through employment and profits, but may also entail loss of authority over traditional territories, reconfigure a community's social and political hierarchies (including gender equity), and have impacts on local livelihoods and community cohesion. Furthermore, mining projects can have important impacts on the health and well-being of individuals and local communities.

Finally, whether ores naturally run out or prices run low, all mines eventually come to an end, leaving behind economic and environmental challenges, as well as social and cultural legacies.

Organizing Committee

Thierry Rodon

Principal investigator of the MinErAL Network and professor at Laval University

Stéphanie Roullier

Coordinator of the MinErAL Network

Mouna Fahr

Professor at Mohammed V University of Rabat

Abdelaziz Smouni

Professor and director of the BioPV laboratory, Mohammed V University of Rabat

Arn Keeling

Professor at Memorial University

Fabrice Colin

Principal investigator of the Amedee Network and Senior Associate Researcher at Mohammed V University of Rabat, and RAM2D Network

Clément Levard

Research director at CNRS

Salwa Bennani

Professor at Mohammed V University of Rabat

Sophie Thériault

Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa

Patrice Ebah

RAMR2D Network Coordinator

Ali Bourlarbah

Professor at Cadi Ayyad University / Affiliate Professor at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Alphonse Yao

Director of the École supérieure des Mines et de Géologie of Yamoussoukro and Coordinator of the African Centre of Excellence Mining and Mining Environment

Dominique Chardon

Research director at IRD

Sessions

Title
Summary
10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Applying Justice over the Mining Project Life-Cycle (by invitation only)

Mining is critical to the energy transition. Critical minerals are the subject of particular attention in the mining sector. This session, in both French and English, will analyse the best legal practices for developing a fair and socially appropriate mining activity.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Indigenous Peoples' Rights to Consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the Mining Context: Comparative Perspectives

This panel aims to discuss and critically examine how and to what extent the rights to consultation and FPIC are recognized and effectively implemented in the context of mining development. We welcome proposals that critically analyze the recognition, protection, and implementation of the right to consultation and FPIC in the context of mining in different national jurisdictions; the influence of international norms on consultation and FPIC on the development of national, regional, and local norms and practices related to mining; the role of mining companies in defining and implementing the right to consultation and FPIC; and the norms and practices adopted by Indigenous peoples to regulate mining development on their traditional lands.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
A critical lens on ‘critical’ minerals extraction and Indigenous livelihoods

Mineral exploration and extraction constitute a prototype of global industry operating in different countries under very different legal, social, political and spatial conditions. Under these globally diverse conditions, Indigenous communities try to control these extractive developments either by opposing or supporting mining activities on their lands. Whatever their stance, they tend to experience negative environmental and social impacts while trying to capture economic benefits. We invite proposals that critically examine the cumulative social and environmental impacts of intensifying mining activities on Indigenous communities in the context of green transition, and the different strategies used by these communities to mitigate these impacts and to benefit from mining activities in their traditional lands.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Mining governance in the management of local mining development committees

Effective mining governance is crucial in upholding the rights of local communities as part of a state's mining policy. It must be implemented through collaboration between all stakeholders to serve the best interests of the community. The upcoming communication session will serve as a platform for discussing and strategizing ways to establish a strong regulatory framework for participatory and responsible governance. Divergent perspectives and input from various stakeholders in mining countries will provide an opportunity for all participants to examine the matter of mining governance in relation to the rights of local communities.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Bauxite deposits: Sustainable mining and responsible governance

This session addresses the issue of bauxite by inviting specialists in exploration, exploitation, mineral processing, hydrogeology, transportation, environment, law, economics, governance, sociology, as well as industrialists, communities, and organizations to share their perspectives and propose a suitable bauxite exploitation model for all involved parties.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Valorization of mining wastes: closing the loop!

In the context of ever-increasing pressure on mineral resources, a change of practice for their production is becoming a necessity. In a circular economy context, the exploitation of mining wastes using environmentally friendly processes appears to be a good alternative for the sustainable production of metallic and mineral resources.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
What is the social acceptability of energy transition mining projects?

The goal of this session is to examine how the intended application of a mineral and its perceived social value can impact its acceptance within society, particularly in the context of combatting climate change. More broadly, this project aims to better comprehend the social acceptability dynamics of critical and strategic mineral (CSM) mining ventures. This understanding will aid in developing projects aligned with the needs and concerns of relevant stakeholders, especially in nearby communities. It is imperative that technical abbreviations be explained clearly, and language should remain objective and unbiased. Furthermore, the text should adhere to conventional academic structures, grammatical correctness, and citation styles.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Restoration and Valorization of Mining Sites

The present session aims to provide an exhaustive review of scientific advances in the field of clean-up techniques of abandoned mining sites. Through examples and experience feedback, speakers are invited to present physical and/or chemical rehabilitation solutions; and biodiversity-driven approaches for eco-friendly economic development, benefiting communities and the environment.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Inequality and Mining in Arctic Communities

Arctic communities struggle to find economic activities that can provide employment and other benefits. Mining is one of the few economic options available to them. While new governance mechanisms exist that could help control potential negative impacts, there is still a concern that mining will increase inequalities in the region.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Research and innovation in digital science and technology for responsible mining

In order to develop responsible and sustainable mining, adapted to the local context, supported by the local population and with a positive impact on the environment and territories, stakeholders in the mining sector will present innovations to discuss existing platforms or digital initiatives, share experiences and create a digital observatory in West Africa.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Thinking the post-mining era

Adding value to secondary resources is an essential lever for the future of humanity. The shift towards responsible mining now has multiple objectives. Firstly, to reclaim mining waste by restoring degraded mining environments. Secondly, to recycle urban and industrial materials by reducing their environmental impact. Lastly, to create sustainable and inclusive economic diversification that involves the populations concerned, either from secondary deposits or by creating new and innovative sectors based on the valorization of knowledge assets acquired throughout past and present mining projects, mining ecosystems, and societies. This session will investigate this societal issue through empirical or theoretical means, utilizing examples from various continents, showcasing a multi- and trans-disciplinary scientific approach with an international focus.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Geoenvironments and mining cycles: impacts and participatory approaches

This session will explore various approaches to mining development and their impact on poverty reduction. One approach involves tracing the history of mining activity, while another involves national jurisdictions addressing health concerns throughout the mining project cycle in West Africa. It is crucial to scrutinize the law's various approaches and pinpoint their limitations to formulate proposals for rectifying them. Additionally, negative environmental impacts should be measured by customary structures, environmental associations, and local businesses in favor of the environment in New Caledonia over the last 20 years.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Abraham
Health & Well-being in Mining Communities: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Impact Analysis and Mitigation

This session delves into the health and well-being ramifications of mining activities on local communities and specific population segments. It offers a broad overview, spanning from direct health threats to indirect societal implications, and emphasizes community-based solutions and policy recommendations.

Roundtables

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
When the mine overflows

Beyond the narrow confines of mining enclaves commonly discussed and practiced, this session puts forward an examination of mining overflows which have the potential to destabilize physical, spatial and temporal boundaries of mining sites and affect epistemological, methodological and political constructs for mining territories.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Managing community rights in the mine closure and rehabilitation process

Today, mining is a crucial element of community development in areas near mining sites. The economic stability of such communities is dependent on the production and sustainability of these mines. It is important that the closure and rehabilitation of mine sites take into account the impact on the local economy of communities reliant on the mine. The varied opinions and input from diverse stakeholders in mining countries will facilitate broad-based examination of the matter of community rights in governing mine site closure and restoration.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Valorization of mining waste (rejections) in Sub-Saharan Africa: Environmental and socio-economic issues

Industrial and small-scale mining in sub-Saharan Africa produces significant amounts of tailings, a majority of which goes untreated and unrecycled. The failure to reuse these solid mining wastes worsens environmental and socio-economic impacts in rural areas, such as acid mine drainage, air, soil, surface, and groundwater pollution, as well as exacerbating impoverishment. In light of the rural decline, it is crucial to develop inventive approaches for reclaiming mining refuse.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in socio-economic development in West Africa: Impacts and solutions

The EMAPE sub-sector significantly contributes to the production of gold and diamonds in ECOWAS member countries. Nevertheless, this sector experiences unprecedented illegality and precariousness, which affects environmental resources, the state's economy, the population residing in the mining areas, and national security. Given the text already adheres to the principles and lacks context, the improved version would be: Faced with these realities, the UEMOA network of EMAPE groups and researchers from the ACE-Partner program propose to support governments in integrating EMAPE into the formal productive fabric. This session will focus in particular on impacts and viable solutions.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Displacement and resettlement of populations affected by mining projects: Legal and institutional framework and best practices

Mining projects may necessitate the relocation of local populations and entail associated economic resettlement. Open-pit mining requires large areas of land for both excavation and the establishment of camps and facilities. This session will examine the effects and practical methods of physically relocating populations and providing them with the necessary means of livelihood to maintain adequate living conditions subsequent to abandoning their land.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
The gendering of sustainable development policies: a mine of opportunities for the mining industry

Speakers will provide specific instances of gender-inclusive policies, stressing their economic, social, and environmental advantages. They will analyze the challenges and opportunities of executing such policies, especially those aimed at ensuring equal representation of women in the mining industry to empower them. The Pretty Mining case study will be employed to illustrate these points and spur discussion.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Formalization of the artisanal and small-scale mining: contribution to the questioning of the formalization canon based on incipient and mature formalization trials.

Informal artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has tremendous effects on nearby communities. The session will focus on ASM and past trials of ASM formalization. The analysis of incipient and mature formalization attempts, should they have succeed or failed, will contribute to question the formalization canon, though often considered a silver bullet.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Local content within the mining industry in SubSaharan Africa

In Africa, recent laws have been passed on local content. States and local communities want to take part in mining projects operating in their environment, and mining companies must constantly work with local communities on the social acceptability of projects. How can mining benefit local communities?

Workshops

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Restoring environments degraded by gold panning in West Africa: Practical experiences and community approaches

Artisanal gold mining in West Africa is a dual-edged sword, generating both wealth and disaster within the surrounding communities. Given its illegal status, the responsibility of rehabilitating the mined sites lies with the community developers. Hence, it is paramount to introduce new approaches that restore the degraded environments while enabling active community participation in these efforts.

10:30am - 12pm
Salle Grande Allée
Environmental and social assessment, monitoring and community participation in the context of mining development

The objective of the session is to discuss how through technological solutions focused on the application of human rights due diligence (ASM Progress App), Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) communities can strengthen their resilience to human rights, security and environmental risks.

Scientific Committee

Thierry Rodon

Principal investigator of the MinErAL Network and professor at Laval University

Mouna Fahr

Professor at Mohammed V University of Rabat

Abdelaziz Smouni

Professor and director of the BioPV laboratory, Mohammed V University of Rabat

Arn Keeling

Professor at Memorial University

Fabrice Colin

Principal investigator of the Amedee Network and Senior Associate Researcher at Mohammed V University of Rabat, and RAM2D Network

Clément Levard

Research director at CNRS

Salwa Bennani

Professor at Mohammed V University of Rabat

Sophie Thériault

Professor and Vice-Dean (Academic) in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa

Patrice Ebah

RAMR2D Network Coordinator

Ali Bourlarbah

Professor at Cadi Ayyad University / Affiliate Professor at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Alphonse Yao

Director of the École supérieure des Mines et de Géologie of Yamoussoukro and Coordinator of the African Centre of Excellence Mining and Mining Environment

Gonzalo Bustamante Rivera

Assistant professor at the University of La Frontera and Coordinator of the CLACSO Working Group

Andrew Taylor

Associate Professor at Charles Darwin University

Ciaran O’Faicheallaigh

Professor at Griffith University

Jérémie Cavé

Researcher at IRD

Gavin Hilson

Professor at the University of Surrey

Sandy Worden

Research Fellow at the University of Queensland

Christophe Krolik

Professor at Laval University

Chris Southcott

PProfessor at Lakehead University

Warren Bernauer

Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Manitoba

Karine Vanthuyne

Professor at the University of Ottawa

Séverine Bouard

Research Fellow at the New Caledonian Agronomic Institute

Rebecca Hall

Assistant professor at Queen’s University

Kristina Sehlin MacNeil

Research fellow at Umeå University

Gertrude Saxinger

Assistant Professor at the University of Vienna

Mory Kourouma

ACE Director, Higher Institute of Mines and Geology of Boké

Mahamadou Ousman

ACE Director, Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology of Niamey

Emile Kabore

Head of UEMOA's Mines and Hydrocarbons Division

Kouassi Ernest Ahoussi

Assistant Professor at the University Felix Houphouet Boigny

Daouda Keita

Executive Director of the Higher Institute of Mines and Geology of Boké

Jean Kan Kouame

Associate professor at the University Felix Houphouet Boigny

Rokhaya Samba Diene

Directrice Générale du Service Géologique National du Sénégal / Executive Director of the National Geological Survey of Senegal

Diaka Sidibe Konaté

Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of the Republic of Guinea

Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye

Director of the National School of Mines and Geology of Dakar

Paterne Mambo

Professor at the University Felix Houphouet Boigny

Dominique Chardon

Research director at IRD

Contact Us

Mining the Connections Conference
Pavillon Charles-De Koninck
Office 5144
Laval University
Québec (Québec)
G1V 0A6
Email: miningtheconnections2024@outlook.com

Sponsors

2022 Photo Gallery