Large-Scale Mining in Aboriginal Australia: Cultural Dispositions and Economic Aspirations in Indigenous Communities

摘要

I began this paper with a discussion of reasons why Indigenous communities are likely to be unenthusiastic about large-scale mining activities. Despite the paucity of other economic development opportunities in many regions in which these communities are located, there are cultural dispositions concerning both land and the embracing of capitalist values, which prompt negative attitudes towards mining projects, especially in the long term. Given the intensely felt risks about major disturbance of the spiritual and environmental integrity of the landscape, Aboriginal people will need to perceive considerable benefits flowing from mining, to be persuaded into formal agreements. The importance of perceptions of real economic benefits is significant for those who may express initial enthusiasm arising from the first few years of promises, as well as for those whose position is opposed in principle to digging up the country. The preparedness of industry and government to provide very substantial benefits will vary with circumstances, and probably with the economic scale of the projects. This is a matter which receives considerable attention in public debate. However, in the second half of this paper, I have put that issue aside and stressed the importance of raising hard questions about the implications of certain prevailing beliefs and attitudes in Aboriginal communities. I have taken the view that considering particular cultural dispositions in those communities is essential if we are to have informed discussion about the potential for mining developments to address Indigenous disadvantage. Attitudes towards work, training and education for the future, and relocation for employment are the matters of most obvious significance; yet, these cultural factors cannot be isolated from a host of further issues of the kind raised by both the Pearson and Sutton discussions to which I have referred.