UNRISD, Documents

Workshop on Mineral Rent and Social Policy

UNRISD has continued its research on the decisive issue of mineral rents, development and social policies, with a seminar on "Social Policy in Mineral-Rich Countries." Several thematic and case studies were presented, which covered the general problem, as well as countries such as Chile, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Norway.

Previous UNRISD findings[1] on the subject had aroused quite an argument in Chile, which helped to create public awareness that led to the imposition of a especial tax on mining profits in 2005.

This debate will probably continue with the CENDA paper, which shows that - based on their own financial reports, which are for the first time presented to the public in a comprehensive manner - the private mining industry is withdrawing yearly earnings that are the equivalent of the major part of Chilean public social expenditure.

[1] See The Pay Your Taxes Debate, UNRISD, 2005