145
this new law establishes the regulatory framework for the formalization of mining... however, the government does not have the institutional capacity to formalize SSM or the funding to support such process. Yet, a few failed attempts towards formalization have been
proposed. These have not materialized as the government does not have enough resources
to support this process and miners were not convinced this was something necessary. (Focus
Groups with Miners)
10.4.2.2 Risk Prevention
Participants agree that risk prevention is a priority area for sustainable SSM governance. Hence, it is miners’ responsibilities to adopt the procedures and protocols for
risk prevention in the use of equipment and machinery, supplies, and materials. Risk
prevention activities should be regulated under the Law 602 on risk management
issued in 2014 (Congreso Nacional de la Republica de Bolivia 2014a). In this
respect, miners added that:
The most critical issue is that the life of workers is not valued. They are treated as a disposable resource. This is something that comes from the time of the colony. Recent trends show
that having a healthy and safe worker is more productive. Just a few multinational companies apply this principle partially. The ideal scenario would be to train workers on industrial security providing adequate resources and technology. The SSM sector does not benefit
from this (Focus Group with Miners).
10.4.2.3 Promoting Sustainable Development
Data analysis also showed that miners are somehow familiar with concepts such as
sustainability and social responsibility. However, this does not mean they have wide
knowledge about the operationalization of these concepts: “...the government
should participate in all SSM activities…to make sure all initiatives are sustainable
over time...the law should also be considered as an essential element of sustainable
development.” (Focus Group with Miners)
10.4.2.4 Investment and Technology Transfer
Miners agree that establishment of alliances with investment firms to access funding
and knowledge transfer opportunities can foster SSM productivity. SSM leaders
expect that both private and public actors collaborate to set the institutional conditions to access credit and funding opportunities: “Mining activities cannot be carried out without investing in technology (both, machinery and equipment) and
financial resources, particularly in the production stage. Introducing the use of technology will improve overall productivity” (Focus Group with Miners).
10 SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
this new law establishes the regulatory framework for the formalization of mining... however, the government does not have the institutional capacity to formalize SSM or the funding to support such process. Yet, a few failed attempts towards formalization have been
proposed. These have not materialized as the government does not have enough resources
to support this process and miners were not convinced this was something necessary. (Focus
Groups with Miners)
10.4.2.2 Risk Prevention
Participants agree that risk prevention is a priority area for sustainable SSM governance. Hence, it is miners’ responsibilities to adopt the procedures and protocols for
risk prevention in the use of equipment and machinery, supplies, and materials. Risk
prevention activities should be regulated under the Law 602 on risk management
issued in 2014 (Congreso Nacional de la Republica de Bolivia 2014a). In this
respect, miners added that:
The most critical issue is that the life of workers is not valued. They are treated as a disposable resource. This is something that comes from the time of the colony. Recent trends show
that having a healthy and safe worker is more productive. Just a few multinational companies apply this principle partially. The ideal scenario would be to train workers on industrial security providing adequate resources and technology. The SSM sector does not benefit
from this (Focus Group with Miners).
10.4.2.3 Promoting Sustainable Development
Data analysis also showed that miners are somehow familiar with concepts such as
sustainability and social responsibility. However, this does not mean they have wide
knowledge about the operationalization of these concepts: “...the government
should participate in all SSM activities…to make sure all initiatives are sustainable
over time...the law should also be considered as an essential element of sustainable
development.” (Focus Group with Miners)
10.4.2.4 Investment and Technology Transfer
Miners agree that establishment of alliances with investment firms to access funding
and knowledge transfer opportunities can foster SSM productivity. SSM leaders
expect that both private and public actors collaborate to set the institutional conditions to access credit and funding opportunities: “Mining activities cannot be carried out without investing in technology (both, machinery and equipment) and
financial resources, particularly in the production stage. Introducing the use of technology will improve overall productivity” (Focus Group with Miners).
10 SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure