Abstract:
The minerals sector in the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) is considered to be the basis of economic reconstruction and
development. After several decades of mineral extraction, SADC member
States are still grappling with how the sector can contribute to the broader
economy and achieve sustainable development. The sector has the
potential to fulfill these national aspirations if appropriate policies are
developed.
In the context of the SADC, the thesis argues that since most of the
population is rural-based, strategies for meaningful mineral development
must take into account the concerns of these people. Policy defines a
vision and aspiration, and articulates what a nation wishes to do with its
mineral resources. The process of policy development is therefore crucial
to ensure that the concerns of several stakeholders are considered and
consensus is reached on actions to be taken for beneficial mineral
extraction.
The thesis shows a process of mineral policy development that result in
the identification of key areas of emphasis to address concerns of the
majority of the population in a country. The process has been applied in
the development of mineral policies in Namibia and Malawi during this
study. The outcomes address broad and specific social, economic and environmental issues that are consistent with sustainable development.
Since the SADC countries have similar problems and opportunities, once
all States have articulated minerals policies using this process, a regional
approach or policy can be derived. This study illustrates such a policy
framework.
