Local experiences of mining in Peru : social and spatial transformations in the Andes

"This book uses a multi-method approach to examine local experience of contemporary mining development in the Peruvian Andes, creating an understanding of the transformations that rural societies experience in this context. Mining is a major component of economic growth in many resource endowed countries, whilst also causing mixed social, cultural, environmental effects. Most current literature on contemporary mining in Peru is largely focussed on conflict, however in this text the author takes a differing approach by examining the experiences of families in the vicinity of Rio Tinto's La Granja exploration copper project, Northern Peru, an area with great significance due to the mining investment and development which has taken place over the past 25 years. The book firstly provides a critical discussion about production of space theories, and debates on spatial mobility, highlighting their relevance to understanding large-scale mining developments, especially in the Peruvian Andes. The following chapters analyse spatial transformations mining development has prompted, focusing on four axes: space, production, mobility and representations of space. A comprehensive narrative is constructed drawing on diverse voices and perspectives, including those of family heads and their partners, local leaders, company employees and social scientists. The book concludes by discussing how the findings pose significant implications for sustainable development programs and practices and how they defy current corporate and public placed-based strategies. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, this book will appeal to a wide audience including geographers, social anthropologists and social scientists interested in the social effects of mining as well as researchers interested in current Latin American Studies and Rural Development."