Report Highlights Six Steps to Help Developing Countries Avoid the "Resource Curse"

GENEVA, Feb 06, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Six building blocks can help lift some of the least developed countries in the world out of poverty by harnessing their mineral wealth, according to a new report published jointly today by the World Economic Forum and The Boston Consulting Group. The report, "A Framework for Advancing Responsible Mineral Development," draws on the expertise of 400 experts from NGOs, governments, and mining companies to provide practical advice aimed at enabling developing countries to avoid the "resource curse" and develop sustainably.

Examples of good practice are highlighted in the report. The world's largest bauxite-mining company, Alcoa, set up a local development council in Juruti, Brazil, which led to 21 projects including the construction of a district police station and school, for instance, and Rio Tinto published all tax and royalty payments in the 28 main countries in which it operates.

"This report offers intelligent, relevant responses, drawn upon real-life experience, on how to create a climate of trust, transparency, and understanding that can bring benefits to all of the various stakeholders in mining development," says Richard O'Brien, president and CEO of Newmont Mining and chair of the World Economic Forum's Mining and Metals Steering Board.

The six building blocks identified are -- Progressive capacity building and knowledge sharing among all stakeholders -- A shared understanding of the benefits, costs, risks, and responsibilities related to mineral development -- Collaborative processes for stakeholder engagement throughout the life cycle of mining projects -- Transparent processes and arrangements -- Commonly agreed upon compliance, monitoring, and enforcement of commitments -- Effective dispute-resolution mechanisms

Huguette Labelle, chair of Transparency International and a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on the Future of Mining & Metals, endorsed the report, saying: "Transparency is essential to ensure prosperity for resource-rich countries, building the trust necessary for effective collaboration among stakeholders." 

All six building blocks aim to increase trust between different parties and create a stable long-term environment for mining projects. The report highlights 22 examples of existing projects and initiatives that show what can be accomplished in countries including Mongolia, Liberia, Ghana, and Chile. 

Underlying the proposals in the report is an analysis of leading mining countries, revealing that some of these countries have both huge untouched mineral resources and lower levels of social and economic development. These countries, which include Guinea, Mongolia, Peru, and South Africa, could transform their socioeconomic prospects by using the six building blocks to tap their resources. 

"Having co-hosted the launch of the Responsible Mineral Development Initiative in Mongolia in June 2010, we fully support the release of this year's report. The case studies and recommendations will help countries such as ours develop our mineral resources in a fair and responsible manner for all stakeholders. Socially as well as environmentally responsible mining is not merely a challenge for the host countries, it is the prerequisite for sustainable global development," says Elbegdorj Tsakhia, president of Mongolia. 

Practical recommendations, in keeping with the six building blocks, include encouraging companies and governments to publish mining-related tax and royalty payments, creating local development councils, and establishing capacity-development programs. 

A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.bcgperspectives.com . 

For more information or to interview one of the authors, please contact Eric Gregoire at gregoire.eric@bcg.com or at +1 617 850 3783. 

About The World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. Incorporated as a not-for-profit foundation in 1971, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum is tied to no political, partisan, or national interests. 

About The Boston Consulting Group The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world's leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 74 offices in 42 countries. For more information, please visit bcg.com. 

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SOURCE: The Boston Consulting Group

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