3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Towards a minerals policy for the Southern African development community (SADC)(2007-02-21T13:55:02Z) Mtegha, Hudson DikamfwiriThe 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.