Mining projects and indigenous communities’ response.
The proposed research seeks to understand the effect of structural disadvantage (e.g. inequalities, power relations) of project-affected people, particularly indigenous people on their ability to engage with extractive industry projects within their surroundings. Further, the research will also look at the Indigenous communities and other stakeholders’ (government, companies and non-government organisations) response to potential adverse impact and/or benefits. I am aiming to do the field part of my thesis project in selected parts of Indonesia where Indigenous people have been affected by extractive industries or major government development projects.
Supervisors: Dr John Burton and Associate Professor Nick Bainton
Researcher biography
Ian is an anthropologist by training with extensive research and analytical experience in social impact and risk assessment and management under various social safeguards standards and policies. Such as the IFC’s Performance Standards, ADB (Asian Development Bank) Safeguard Policies including on indigenous people particularly in resource sector. Prior to this Ian had significant experiences in leading a community development team working on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), community development and stakeholder engagement for a coal and power project in post-conflict and post-tsunami Aceh. Ian holds a Master's degree in Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development from Australian National University and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from University of Indonesia.
Ian has been directly involved in mining and community development and engagement for the last 11 years across Indonesia. His most recent assignment was a seconded Technical Expert–Partnership for Development at PT Freeport Indonesia’s gold and copper mine in Papua, Indonesia, working in support of the company’s efforts in managing sustainable local development in the local Indigenous communities.