Mining in the Chatkal Valley in Kyrgyzstan-Challenge of social sustainability

During the last decade, to boost the national economy, Kyrgyzstan has strived to develop its mining industry through efforts to attract foreign investors. However, at the same time, Kyrgyzstan has had an increasing number of conflicts between mining companies and local communities. Study of the Chatkal Valley case suggests that the local resistance now leading to severe conflicts may have been encouraged by poor governance of the mining industry and lack of cooperation between stakeholders, also contributing are the industry's and some levels of government's lack of acknowledgment of social impacts. The article argues that adequate assessment and management of the social impacts of mining are vital to the sustainable development of both the industry and the society in which it operates.