UDC

338.45

Authors

Oksana P. Kolomiets
North-Eastern Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Far-Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
15 Energetikov St., Anadyr, 689000, Russian Federation;
e-mail: okkolo@mail.ru

Abstract

This paper discusses the problems and prospects of cooperation between extractive companies and indigenous peoples of the Chukchi Peninsula. Enterprises operating on the territory of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug establish contractual relations with its residents taking into account the interests of the local community. The paper analyses the experience of cooperation between extractive companies (Kinross Gold Corporation: Chukotka Mining and Geological Company СJSС, Northern Gold LLC; Polymetal JSC, represented on the Chukchi Peninsula by its subsidiary Mayskoye Gold Mining Company LLC) and public organizations of the local indigenous population. The author identified three models of interaction: the first one is characterized by the companies’ extensive interaction with the local community; the second model is confined to partnership on the territory in immediate vicinity of the production; the third one does not involve extensive cooperation between the parties. In practice, the most effective and promising is the first model of interaction. A good example of a long-term partnership is the establishment of the non-profit organization Kupol Social Development Foundation, which supports the most interesting projects in the spheres of culture, art and small business. Social and environmental programmes should be long-term and systemic (minimizing possible damage from the companies’ activity to traditional nature management; environmental monitoring on commercial development sites; creation of permanent jobs for the indigenous peoples of the Chukchi Peninsula). In this respect, it is important to maintain social infrastructure and provide the indigenous population with employment opportunities at the enterprises. Extractive companies should continue the practice of funding grants aimed at preservation and development of ethnic culture. Currently, there is a need for closer cooperation between the organizations representing the interests of local communities and extractive companies.

Keywords

indigenous peoples of the Chukchi Peninsula, extractive companies, traditional lifestyle, social partnership

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