Abstract

For centuries Latin America has been known for its mineral riches. Technological development, increasing demand of various minerals, and the neoliberal policies of the late 80s and 90s led to the growth of foreign investment in the mining industry in the region. In the last decades, however, the number of mining disputes has steadily increased. Amongst the factors which explain this increase in disputes are (i) the States' increasing exercise of their regulatory powers aimed at protecting the environment and local communities affected by the mining industry and (ii) ...