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Debating Alternative Development at the Mining Frontier: Buen Vivir and the Conflict around El Mirador Mine in Ecuador

Author

Listed:
  • Karolien van Teijlingen

    (Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research (AISSR) and Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation (CEDLA))

  • Barbara Hogenboom

    (Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation (CEDLA), University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

In Ecuador, the recent introduction of mineral mining led to a conflictive debate on mining and development, particularly the concept of Buen Vivir (good living). This article examines the discourses on the mining–development nexus articulated in the conflict around the first large-scale mine of Ecuador, El Mirador. The findings indicate that although the conflict concerns tangible territorial transformations, it is also a struggle over meanings. In this struggle, Buen Vivir has become subject to strategic framing processes and eventually turned into an empty signifier. The case of El Mirador illustrates the challenges of advancing Buen Vivir from concept to practice in the context of a search for a post-neoliberal development framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Karolien van Teijlingen & Barbara Hogenboom, 2016. "Debating Alternative Development at the Mining Frontier: Buen Vivir and the Conflict around El Mirador Mine in Ecuador," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 32(4), pages 382-420, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:32:y:2016:i:4:p:382-420
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X16667190
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vela-Almeida, Diana & Kolinjivadi, Vijay & Kosoy, Nicolas, 2018. "The building of mining discourses and the politics of scale in Ecuador," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 188-198.

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