Mining for development - destructive and divisive: Eco-villages as an alternative form of development

In 2011 the Australian Federal Labor Government launched its 'Mining for Development Initiative' (MDI). The objectives of the MDI are to assist developing and poorer nations in developing a sustainable mining industry and to assist in the management of this mining industry once established. I believe, however, that the practices and processes of the MDI are unsustainable and environmentally, socially, economically and culturally destructive and divisive. Focusing on mineral extraction for state building is shortsighted and outdated because it ignores the long-term environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts. We should be considering alternatives for development.