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Paper short abstract:

When local, small-scale Ghanaian miners compete with large-scale transnational mining corporations, how are arguments about the morality of mining shaped and challenged by local landholders? This paper will analyse moral discourse from the local perspective of mining communities near Obuasi, Ghana.

Paper long abstract:

For many Ghanaian people, mining is not only practiced by 'others' from outside, but is also an activity with strong local historical roots. The term galamsey refers to illegal, small-scale mining undertaken by miners without a concession licence. They are usually Ghanaian, often coming from the community or region in which they mine. Galamsey miners compete for land, resources and local favour against large-scale gold mining companies such as AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) in Obuasi, Ghana. Against a backdrop of colonialism, post-colonialism and globalisation, the mine has transformed from a small Ghanaian entrepreneurial endeavour into a large-scale transnational merger between Ghanaian and South African mining companies, in the process moving further away from local management by Ghanaians. Locals who have been deprived of agricultural livelihoods due to mining concessions see in galamsey a possible income stream when AGA won't hire them. Galamsey is also seen by some Ghanaians as part of their rightful culture.

However, the use of mercury by galamsey miners to process gold severely damages the waterways and environment. Guards with weapons patrol galamsey sites and large-scale official sites alike. When local, small-scale Ghanaian miners compete with large-scale transnational mining corporations, how are arguments about the morality of mining shaped and challenged by local landholders? Does corporate social responsibility trump local employment? Is environmental degradation more or less (im)moral than international profit from local loss? This paper will analyse moral discourse from the local perspective of mining communities near Obuasi, Ghana.