Impact of Mining on Regional Sustainable Development: Case Study of Kok-Tash Village in Ala-Buka Region

Abstract

Historically, mining was identified as one of the main industries that can help developing countries to reach sustainable development. The Kyrgyz Republic is one of those countries which are endowed with mineral resources. Mining for the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the budget-making sectors. The industry has positive economic and social impacts on sustainable development. However, the extraction of the mineral resources can also have negative environmental consequences. A lot of researches were conducted at the country level; however, there is a lack of studies at the regional level. As development starts from micro community level, this thesis identifies and outlines the impact of mining on the sustainable development of one of the small regions of Kyrgyz Republic. The qualitative research is conducted in order to examine the impact of mining industry on sustainable development of the region which is endowed with natural resources. Three main areas of impact – economic, social, and inextricably linked with mining, environmental are included in the study. The studying of socio-economic impact of mining through the case-study of Ala-Buka region and examining how the mining industry can promote sustainable development appear as the main tools of the analysis of the regional development after starting of mining operations and before it. The analysis indicates that in Ala-Buka region mining has positive economic and social impacts, whereas the negative impact of the industry is related to environment of the region which leads to social conflicts.