The authors wish to thank the World Bank for financial support and accesses to information sources. For many helpful comments and suggestions, the authors are also grateful to Nicholas Treich and other conferees at the European Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis first annual meeting at the...

This paper investigates the local effects of mining on the quality of public services and on people's optimism about their future living conditions. It also assesses the mediating role of local institutions and local governments 'taxing rights in shaping the proximity-to-mine effects. The...