Abstract

URIBE SIERRA, Sergio. Social metabolism of mining: Zacatecas (1980-2018). Prob. Des [online]. 2021, vol.52, n.207, pp.3-32.  Epub Mar 07, 2022. ISSN 0301-7036.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iiec.20078951e.2021.207.69722.

This article analyzes mining in the Mexican state of Zacatecas from an ecological, economic and social metabolism theoretical perspective, using a mixed methodology. The qualitative analysis estimated the environmental surplus of the main metals at the national and state levels, while the qualitative analysis used four local case studies to examine the social and cultural dimensions. Findings suggest that researchers need a clearer understanding of the various problems arising from mining extractivism and point to the need for more comprehensive accounting in production which includes factors absent from the macroeconomic data, such as ecological damage, forced displacement, disruptions to the local economy, human rights violations, and social conflict. The article concludes that mining policy should be redesigned with due consideration given to these factors.

Keywords : mining; natural resources; ecological rucksack; sociometabolic fractures; socio-environmental conflicts.