The U4 Anti-Corruption Center is pleased to announce that it has just published a new research report on how to prevent corruption in community development initiatives in the mining sector. The publication, authored by Dr. Michael Nest, analyses patterns of corruption and corruption risks related to community mineral beneficiation schemes (CMBSs) that distribute benefits funded by mineral revenues to communities. It argues a key flaw in these materials is that they lose sight of the fundamental purpose of CBMSs: local-level development controlled by the community. Existing work on corruption in CMBSs places too much emphasis on administrative measures to manage risks and prevent wrongdoing. A better approach is to first understand local political dynamics and ambitions for development, and then use these insights to improve CMBS design. The optimal mix of anti-corruption initiatives will flow from this work, including clarity about which measures are best controlled by which stakeholders. This paper makes 10 policy recommendations to improve CMBS design or reform CBMSs so they deliver benefits, enhance community control over development and better control corruption.
Read “Preventing Corruption in Community Mineral Beneficiation Schemes” here, or see the attached PDF file. Nest%20issue%20paper%20FINAL%20%28community%20benefit%20schemes%29.pdf