Diakite digs around for solutions to mining conflict in developing countries

CQUniversity PhD (Offshore) candidate' Diakite Mory is determined to help large corporations and government bodies understand the social' cultural' and economic impacts of mining in Côte d'Ivoire' West Africa.

"The main objective of my research is to examine mining conflicts in developing countries' with a particular focus on Côte d'Ivoire' given that it is the country's second-largest source of income'" Diakite said.

"I hope to demonstrate that some well-adapted mechanisms' such as Corporate Social Responsibility and Regulatory Frameworks' can generate stakeholder satisfaction' enhance the corporate social licence to operate' and leave a legacy of positive impact during and after a mine closure."

Diakite's research closely aligns with his current professional role as Manager of Social Performance for a large mining company' where he advocates for local communities.

"As part of my role' I am responsible for leading social and environmental assessments' mine closures' and local procurement processes' as well as managing social conflict anticipation and transformation'" Diakite said.

"I also play a key role in maintaining strong' positive relationships with government and communities' and ensuring that local communities are fairly compensated for any loss of asset or impact."

Diakite started his academic journey back in 2008' studying African Civilisation Literature' but was forced to reassess his options when public universities closed due to a post-presidential election crisis in late-2010.

"In 2010' I started vocational training with a private school' specialising in local development and conflict management' and was required to undertake my practical components in the mining industry'" he said.

"The valuable learnings gained during this experience' influenced me to change my academic preference to social sciences in 2013' and further my studies with CQUniversity in 2020."

Diakite said his PhD journey' so far' had provided him with transferable insights and also highlighted the need for more research in this field.

"Understanding the true needs of mining communities is something that stands out for me' not only as PhD student but also a social and community practitioner'" he said.

"There is also an evident gap in the relevant literature on land-mining conflicts and developing countries' which I hope to fill as a result of my research.

"It is important for leaders to be open and transparent about dealings with the community grievances' associated with the mining lifecycle' in developing countries."