Implications of the Framework Agreement Between Communities and Mining Companies as an Instrument for Social Conflict Management

Abstract

The Framework Agreement is an instrument of commitment assumed by various actors: civil society, private companies and the State. It constitutes a means that contributes to the management of social conflicts, where bilateral negotiations have been replaced by a multi-actor approach. In this framework, the participation of the State, through the Executive Branch, promotes and supports compliance with the agreements reached. However, factors have been identified that lead to non-compliance with the agreements signed between mining companies and civil society, which is the subject of this research. To address this problem, the research work was carried out using the quantitative and qualitative method, in order to know the perspective of the population. We randomly surveyed 196 people from the different Zones of Direct Influence of the mining companies: San Rafael, CIEMSA “Las Águilas” and the Corani Project. The results indicate a lack of knowledge on the part of the population regarding the normative framework that regulates the Framework Agreements. Likewise, factors that contribute to the escalation of conflicts are identified, such as lack of communication, limited participation, and the weak role played by State agencies. In conclusion, it is necessary to create spaces for participation to inform about the regulatory framework that supports the Framework Agreements, in order to follow up on the commitments assumed, guaranteeing the support of the State through its executive agencies, for the benefit of the population.