The impact of conflicts in the mining industry: A case study of a gold mining dispute in Greece

Abstract

The Skouries gold mining dispute in Greece has been a significant contention for several years. This study explores how individuals, either supportive or critical of mining, have strategically positioned themselves in discourse to safeguard their influence and control over potential risks. These strategic actions have included visible measures, such as campaigns carried out by institutions and grassroots organizations, and plans that have been expressed but not yet implemented. These tactics have given rise to divergent perspectives within each group. Whenever the mining operation faced a potential threat, the miners would take charge of the tunnels to demonstrate their indispensable connection to their work and its importance within a broader context. On the other hand, local activists, in stark contrast to the miners who relied on the mining company, developed their skills and capabilities, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity. Despite adhering to a post-Fordist work and labor conditions model, these activists have a strong attachment to their location but were compelled to consider relocating. The research illustrates how opposing parties collaboratively generate disputes over natural resources through their strategic use of language and communication.