Involuntary resettlement is a deeply complex and disruptive process, with potential to place vulnerable populations at great risk. This report presents experiences of involuntary resettlement from the perspective of individuals, households and groups who are recovering from mining-induced displacement in Tete province, Mozambique. It describes the context within which mining and resettlement is taking place; a setting characterised by poverty, rapid economic growth, limited regulatory capacity and intense pressure on land availability. In this sense, the study situates a particular set of experiences within a broader historical, political and economic environment. Voices from the Mualadzi community highlight the precarious situation that project-affected people face and will continue to face in Mozambique unless major structural change occurs. The context for this study is the Benga coal mine, and the planned resettlement of 736 households (approximately 3,680 people). The resettlement process has so far involved three companies through two acquisitions over a period of five years. People who were involuntarily resettled to make way for the mine have been significantly disadvantaged. Resettled people had no choice but to move from the fertile banks of the Revuboe River at Capanga, to a remote location determined by the government at Mualadzi, with poor quality soil and an insecure supply of water for personal and agricultural use. The move has also resulted in other significant social and economic disadvantages. This study focuses on the largest phase of the Benga mine resettlement and approximately 18 months post-relocation. Voices from the Mualadzi community provide insight into factors that contribute to resettlement practice falling short of accepted global standards. The study employed a qualitative research design using multiple methods and sources. The study was designed to capture stories, perspectives and lived experiences of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in the community, and to ensure that the voices of women and youth were included. The primary research tool was key informant interviews with resettled people to emphasise their “voice”. The study team completed 21 in-depth individual interviews and four group discussions with 37 people during a field visit to the Mualadzi resettlement community. Selection criteria ensured that a diversity of resettled people were able to participate. Desktop research and a series of background and supplementary interviews provided additional information.

Mining, Resettlement and Lost Livelihoods: Listening to the Voices of Resettled Communities in Mualadzi, Mozambique

Resource Key: GXWIWFPQ

Document Type: Report

Creator:

Author:

  • Serena Lilywhite
  • Deanna Kemp
  • Kathryn Sturman

Creators Name: {mb_resource_zotero_creatorsname}

Place:

Institution: IM4DC (International Mining for Development Centre)

Date: April 2015

Language:

Involuntary resettlement is a deeply complex and disruptive process, with potential to place vulnerable populations at great risk. This report presents experiences of involuntary resettlement from the perspective of individuals, households and groups who are recovering from mining-induced displacement in Tete province, Mozambique. It describes the context within which mining and resettlement is taking place; a setting characterised by poverty, rapid economic growth, limited regulatory capacity and intense pressure on land availability. In this sense, the study situates a particular set of experiences within a broader historical, political and economic environment. Voices from the Mualadzi community highlight the precarious situation that project-affected people face and will continue to face in Mozambique unless major structural change occurs. The context for this study is the Benga coal mine, and the planned resettlement of 736 households (approximately 3,680 people). The resettlement process has so far involved three companies through two acquisitions over a period of five years. People who were involuntarily resettled to make way for the mine have been significantly disadvantaged. Resettled people had no choice but to move from the fertile banks of the Revuboe River at Capanga, to a remote location determined by the government at Mualadzi, with poor quality soil and an insecure supply of water for personal and agricultural use. The move has also resulted in other significant social and economic disadvantages. This study focuses on the largest phase of the Benga mine resettlement and approximately 18 months post-relocation. Voices from the Mualadzi community provide insight into factors that contribute to resettlement practice falling short of accepted global standards. The study employed a qualitative research design using multiple methods and sources. The study was designed to capture stories, perspectives and lived experiences of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in the community, and to ensure that the voices of women and youth were included. The primary research tool was key informant interviews with resettled people to emphasise their “voice”. The study team completed 21 in-depth individual interviews and four group discussions with 37 people during a field visit to the Mualadzi resettlement community. Selection criteria ensured that a diversity of resettled people were able to participate. Desktop research and a series of background and supplementary interviews provided additional information.

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