Neo-Extractivism and Formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining—The Case of the Santurbán Moorland (Colombia)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the negative impact of neo-extractivism to boost the mining industry and the components that prevent the formalization of ASM as a model of rural economic development in Vetas, California, Suratá, and Matanza, municipalities adjacent to the Santurbán moorland (Colombia). A qualitative methodology with ethnographic design was followed, implementing the NVivo software (v12) for the analysis of information. The results show that the neo-extractivist model stands in opposition to the formalization of ASM in the territory, which prevents the prioritization of rural economic development by regional and local governments. ASM is at a disadvantage with respect to large-scale extractive industry, although this activity has been carried out in this region for centuries; it is also under threat as a result of a delimitation process that seeks the protection of the moor ecosystem, putting at risk the economic and socio-environmental stability of the communities that depend on this activity.