Poverty in the Midst of Plenty: Aboriginal People, the 'Resource Curse' and Australia's Mining Boom

Abstract

The lessons of the resource curse case studies for the institution and policy environment in Australia are explored in this article, drawing on research conducted on the negotiation and implementation of agreements with indigenous Australians. We show how the resource curse theories are partially applicable in areas in which Australian indigenous communities neighbour mining operations and outline the legal frameworks in Australia that apply especially in native title matters. Also, we include in our analysis the application of the concept of the ‘social licence to operate’ that informs the mining industry relationship with these communities. We also discuss the way that these practices form..