CDD launched last Thursday, 12 February, in Montepuez district, Cabo Delgado province, the report entitled “Governance, Local Development and the Political Economy of Artisanal Mining in Mozambique: Initial Lessons from CDD’s Intervention.”
The event took place at the Montepuez District Government conference hall and brought together more than 35 participants, including representatives from local government, the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), the private sector, mining communities, and civil society organisations.
The report is based on empirical research conducted by CDD across several territories affected by artisanal mining, with a primary focus on Cabo Delgado and comparative insights from other provinces. It provides practical recommendations for a more equitable, effective, and territorially informed governance framework for the sector.
Local Development and Conflict Prevention
During the event, CDD’s intervention to improve governance in the country’s mining sector was in the spotlight, guided by an approach centred on local development, the promotion of social peace, and inclusive governance, in coordination with district partners.
Key areas of intervention include political economy analysis of artisanal mining, monitoring of social and environmental impacts, mediation between communities, state authorities and companies, and evidence-based advocacy for reform.
Beyond Repression
The report concludes that responses focused solely on repression or isolated administrative formalisation do not resolve the structural conflicts associated with artisanal mining. On the contrary, when not accompanied by mediation, transparency, and benefit-sharing mechanisms, such measures tend to deepen inequalities and fuel social tensions.
Experiences from Montepuez, Manica, and Mogovolas suggest that sustainable sector governance requires structural reforms that promote transparency along the value chain, stronger community inclusion, and effective regulatory and accountability mechanisms.
The report ultimately calls for an integrated approach capable of transforming artisanal mining from a driver of conflict into a genuine opportunity for local development and social cohesion. (CDD)
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