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of 500 miners but these actions have been wasted or misused … the domestic company has spent much money in unnecessary mining training for us” (Local Miners,
Focus Group, October, 2012). “(These) initiatives include, but are not limited to,
partnerships between mining companies and tertiary institutions to develop undergraduate practicum projects and mining student tours” (Mining Engineering
Students from Antioquia, Focus Group, October, 2012).
However, if these initiatives do not go beyond a mining-orientated approach that
helps students become active actors in achieving their development aspirations,
these initiatives will end up in dreams of development (Murray 1997). Similarly,
mining companies in partnership with local governments are running initiatives to
build high school students’ and locals’ capacity in mining practices. Although these
actions have helped communities get a broader understanding of the industry, they
have not met the community’s expectations yet and therefore have been incapable
to foster relevant community wellbeing.
Women also have been displaced and had to turn to figuring out their livelihood
as mining employment seems to cater mainly for men. “Our organisation was created from the need to build different livelihood options. Women in this town did not
have any value … We were labelled either as witches and/or prostitutes. We have
been provided with some training by government organisations … A company
donated us three machines … that was long time ago. There are small mines we
have some contracts with and we also get some contribution from the government
but nothing else apart from that” (Table 13.2, Row 3), says a community member.
13.4.2 Risaralda
Risaralda is a region located in the Colombian Andes mountain range. This geographical area is one of the most active producers of minerals and metals in
Colombia. According to the census, Risaralda hosted a population of 859,666 people in 2005 (DANE 2005). Out of the total population, 665,104 people inhabited
urban areas, whereas 194,562 were located in rural areas. 51.3% of the population
was female and 48.7% male. Statistics also show that Risaralda hosted 230,532
households in urban and rural areas. With the increased mining operations, community enterprise has been more successful in gaining traction in delivering development outcomes, and communities are more receptive to private capital as an agent
of development. “The company provided us with training in coffee making and
coffee tasting. We have also requested support from companies and governments
resulting in the implementation of jointly funded …. actions” (Community Leaders,
Focus Group, October, 2012). Research findings indicate that this approach has
positive results for communities (Buitrago Franco 2014). “We have been involved
in several … initiatives delivered by different organisations such as Artesanias de
Colombia, government-funded educational institutions and NGOs. We have experienced the benefit of these initiatives. It is reflected in the products that we design”
(Community Leader, Jewellery CBO, Interview, November, 2012).
13 SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
of 500 miners but these actions have been wasted or misused … the domestic company has spent much money in unnecessary mining training for us” (Local Miners,
Focus Group, October, 2012). “(These) initiatives include, but are not limited to,
partnerships between mining companies and tertiary institutions to develop undergraduate practicum projects and mining student tours” (Mining Engineering
Students from Antioquia, Focus Group, October, 2012).
However, if these initiatives do not go beyond a mining-orientated approach that
helps students become active actors in achieving their development aspirations,
these initiatives will end up in dreams of development (Murray 1997). Similarly,
mining companies in partnership with local governments are running initiatives to
build high school students’ and locals’ capacity in mining practices. Although these
actions have helped communities get a broader understanding of the industry, they
have not met the community’s expectations yet and therefore have been incapable
to foster relevant community wellbeing.
Women also have been displaced and had to turn to figuring out their livelihood
as mining employment seems to cater mainly for men. “Our organisation was created from the need to build different livelihood options. Women in this town did not
have any value … We were labelled either as witches and/or prostitutes. We have
been provided with some training by government organisations … A company
donated us three machines … that was long time ago. There are small mines we
have some contracts with and we also get some contribution from the government
but nothing else apart from that” (Table 13.2, Row 3), says a community member.
13.4.2 Risaralda
Risaralda is a region located in the Colombian Andes mountain range. This geographical area is one of the most active producers of minerals and metals in
Colombia. According to the census, Risaralda hosted a population of 859,666 people in 2005 (DANE 2005). Out of the total population, 665,104 people inhabited
urban areas, whereas 194,562 were located in rural areas. 51.3% of the population
was female and 48.7% male. Statistics also show that Risaralda hosted 230,532
households in urban and rural areas. With the increased mining operations, community enterprise has been more successful in gaining traction in delivering development outcomes, and communities are more receptive to private capital as an agent
of development. “The company provided us with training in coffee making and
coffee tasting. We have also requested support from companies and governments
resulting in the implementation of jointly funded …. actions” (Community Leaders,
Focus Group, October, 2012). Research findings indicate that this approach has
positive results for communities (Buitrago Franco 2014). “We have been involved
in several … initiatives delivered by different organisations such as Artesanias de
Colombia, government-funded educational institutions and NGOs. We have experienced the benefit of these initiatives. It is reflected in the products that we design”
(Community Leader, Jewellery CBO, Interview, November, 2012).
13 SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production