This report looks at the changes needed to ensure that gold mining will benefit development in resource rich countries, for example by generating revenue and creating jobs.With reference to case studies from Honduras and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the report outlines further changes needed in the gold mining industry.

This paper starts from the optimistic assumption that the policies required for environmentally sustainable economic development are known but difficulties surround their implementation. The paper argues that in the low-income countries differences in the natural resource endowment are an important and hitherto neglected cause of tardy environmental policy improvements.

This paper presents information illustrating how trade in timber, gems, and gold is financing violent conflict, including widespread and gross human rights abuses, in Burma.

This controversial report presents the results of the panel's investigations into trade in diamonds, coltan and other natural resources.The authors make a number of allegations regarding Rwandan and Ugandan government support of armed militia and illegal exploitation in areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that those countries control.They refer to documentary and other evidence collected during their study, that implicates a number of international companies in illegal activities such as smuggling diamonds, trading in illegal 'conflict' diamonds, avoiding taxes, being involved w

This paper analyses transparency issues in Cameroon's oil sector. It shows that, while substantial efforts have already been undertaken, continued action is necessary to strengthen transparency.

This policy paper for the world bank addresses the question of whether countries consider their mineral wealth an asset, to be used to stimulate or enhance their economic growth potential, or are there reasons to steer an economy away from the development of the mineral sector?Reviewing the cases of 51 “mining countries” in the developing world, three conclusions can be drawn:First, in more cases than not, mining countries appear to fare better than other countries in their respective regions.

A publication from Engineers Against Poverty for the extractive industries - an eight-page briefing note to guide oil, gas and mining (OGM) companies on how they can maximise the contribution of local enterprises to the supply chain of their projects in low income countries. It provides practical guidance on three major opportunity areas to increase local enterprise participation in project supply chains:

modifying procurement policies and processes
modifying contract documentation
supporting the efficacy of supplier development programs

Outlines recommendations for a global diamond certification and verification system to be monitored by an independent diamond verification organisation and to be backed up by industry self-regulation and government legislation. This system would need to be implemented and enforced in any country wishing to export/import/mine or work diamonds in any way.Available in html, PDF (with photos) rtf and text formats.

Many Latin American countries are rich with natural resources like oil, gas and minerals, and they have a wealth of experience to share in terms of the investment policies they have pursued to develop their extractive industries.

This selection of publications highlights key resources documenting and analysing the following aspects of the Latin American investment policy experience: Gas Sector, Oil Sector, Mining Sector, Choice of Policy Model, and Rents, Taxes and Royalties.

This report provides practical information on how to be an effective monitor of government earnings and expenditures.

This collection of articles looks at the role of natural resources in Western Sahara and outlines the framework for Western Sahara’s independence from Morocco.There is no doubt that the question of the natural resources of Western Sahara such as fish, oil and phosphates has been the main reason for the interest in the area in question.

Using microeconomic data for Angola, this paper studies the relationship between civil war and private investment in a poor, resource abundant country.