This Mine Is Mine! How Minerals Fuel Conflicts in Africa
American Economic Review
vol. 107,
no. 6, June 2017
(pp. 1564-1610)
(Complimentary)
Abstract
We combine georeferenced data on mining extraction of 14 minerals with information on conflict events at spatial resolution of 0.5 degree x 0.5 degree for all of Africa between 1997 and 2010. Exploiting exogenous variations in world prices, we find a positive impact of mining on conflict at the local level. Quantitatively, our estimates suggest that the historical rise in mineral prices (commodity super-cycle) might explain up to one-fourth of the average level of violence across African countries over the period. We then document how a fighting group's control of a mining area contributes to escalation from local to global violence. Finally, we analyze the impact of corporate practices and transparency initiatives in the mining industry.Citation
Berman, Nicolas, Mathieu Couttenier, Dominic Rohner, and Mathias Thoenig. 2017. "This Mine Is Mine! How Minerals Fuel Conflicts in Africa." American Economic Review, 107 (6): 1564-1610. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20150774Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- C23 Single Equation Models; Single Variables: Panel Data Models; Spatio-temporal Models
- D74 Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
- L70 Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction: General
- O13 Economic Development: Agriculture; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Other Primary Products
- Q34 Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts