Mining Capitalism: The Relationship between Corporations and Their Critics

by Stuart Kirsch

Corporations are among the most powerful institutions of our time, but they are also responsible for a wide range of harmful social and environmental impacts. Consequently, political movements and nongovernmental organizations increasingly contest the risks that corporations pose to people and nature. Mining Capitalism examines the strategies through which corporations manage their relationships with these critics and adversaries. By focusing on the conflict over the Ok Tedi copper and gold mine in Papua New Guinea, Stuart Kirsch tells the story of a slow-moving environmental disaster and the international network of indigenous peoples, advocacy groups, and lawyers that sought to protect local rivers and rain forests. Along the way, he analyzes how corporations promote their interests by manipulating science and invoking the discourses of sustainability and social responsibility. Based on two decades of anthropological research, this book is comparative in scope, showing readers how similar dynamics operate in other industries around the world.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, History

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Claire H · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, you start this book with relatively little prior knowledge, prepare to have your mind blown. While Kirsch can be (perhaps excessively) detailed at times, these details pile up to paint an overall picture that is compelling, enlightening, and damning. By cataloging the destruction of the Fly and Ok Tedi Rivers, Kirsch reveals the environmental and social damage wrought by mining in Papua New Guinea, as well as the local and global forces (governments, corporations, NGOs, social movements) that shape the mining industry. If you want to learn about how capitalism acquires the raw materials it needs for production, this is a great place to start.

[Hayden Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I value Kirsch’s extensive involvement in mining conflicts, from the local to the international. The discussion of the politics of time in contrast to the politics of space was particularly insightful. It colors the politics of NGOs in the most articulate way I’ve yet seen.

My only critique is his bias. I appreciate the disclaimer of his bias against mining corporations, and while I completely understand his justification, it makes me wonder what else from the industry perspective I am missing.

[Genevieve · Rating 2 out of 5]

boring as hell