Informal artisanal gold mine in central Côte d'Ivoire, amidst plantations and with the approval of land rights holders and plantation owners
Dr. Steven Van Bockstael
Welcome to my personal website.
I am an Assistant Professor of Globalisation Studies and Humanitarian Action at the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands.
I have over a decade of experience as an academic researcher, policy analyst and advisor, and independent consultant, focusing on natural resource governance issues in the Global South, with an emphasis on high-risk and conflict-affected African countries. I am particularly interested in the role played by natural resources in funding armed conflict, and the various humanitarian interventions designed to halt these deadly trades.
I’m a globally recognised expert in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), especially of gold, diamonds, and other high-value minerals, and have a particular interest in so-called ‘conflict minerals’ financing armed groups, and the various initiatives designed to stop this deadly connection: resource certification initiatives such as the Kimberley Process, and mineral supply chain due diligence as promoted by the OECD. I have published widely on these topics, including over a dozen of peer-reviewed scholarly articles or book chapters.
I received my PhD in Political Science from Ghent University. My dissertation, based on long-term ethnographic field research, discusses the political economy of artisanal diamond and gold mining in contemporary Côte d'Ivoire, before, during, and after the 2002-2011 conflict.
My main geographical focus is on West and Central Africa, where I have long-term fieldwork experience in the Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Liberia.
You can find an overview of my publications (links or downloadable PDF files), as well as my CV, Google Scholar profile by clicking the links below.
Expertise
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)
All forms of ASM, particularly high-value minerals such as gold and diamonds. Experience at all levels in mineral supply chains: artisanal miners, domestic and international minerals traders, governments, development donors, international public institutions and private sector actors. Focus on ASM formalisation and professionalisation, certification, responsible mining. Particular expertise regarding the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
International development
Focus on the potential role of natural resources in encouraging and/or hampering economic development: resource curse or blessing. Rural economic development and de-agrarianisation. ASM as a development problem. Interactions between ASM and large-scale mining companies (LSM).
Conflict-affected and Post-conflict contexts
The links between natural resources and armed conflicts, especially artisanally mined minerals such as gold, diamonds, coltan, etc. Formation and financing of armed groups, armed group behaviour and ‘rebel governance’. Post-conflict persistence of armed groups’ political and economic networks, corruption and peace spoilers.
Africa
Strong focus on African countries, especially in West and Central Africa.
Contact
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