Sustainable Mining in Kazakhstan Through Effective Public-Private Dialogue

Abstract

The main focus of this study is the problem of sustainable use of mineral resources (others than oil and gas) caused by the resources curse. Emphasizing the presence of curse of natural resources in Kazakhstan this thesis states that country has the prerequisite issues for the effective public-private dialogue as the efficient way to promote sustainable development of minerals. However, there are some challenges as well. Thus, this paper provides empirical research in the field of mineral resources use and focuses on the answer to research question: “What are the challenges and prerequisite issues of effective public-private dialogue for sustainable use of the mineral resources in Kazakhstan?” In particular the main issue of concern in this paper is the political economy in the field of mining industry. The emphasis is given to the role of affected parties in the sector and possibilities to provide sustainable use of resources. This research is the result of study on literature on private-public dialogues, sustainable development, resource curse, study on the official documents in Kazakhstan’s mining industry and some interviews with the representatives of the sector such as companies, NGO, academia and incumbents. The main result of the research is the list of significant barriers for the public-private dialogues. Nonetheless, the list of prerequisite issues may contribute to the usage of public-private dialogue as an effective mechanism in sustainable development of mining industry in Kazakhstan. Otherwise the idea of green economy for sustainable development in Kazakhstan will be just a top-down approach without involvement of affected parties.