The mining extractivism in Latin America: Expositions, parallels and presumptions from the case of Guatemala

Abstract

This article studies mining extractivism in Latin America by developing an argument, which sustains that although a complex phenomenon, mining extractivism can be systemized in general standards. These standards can be again configured as an analytical pattern in the region. Building on a meaningful case study (the Marlin mine in Guatemala), the article outlines four parallelisms on mining extractivism in Latin America: the transnational mining at its peak, the institutional support, the territorial appropriation and the emerging unrest. Finally, the article suggests that these parallelisms of mining extractivism lead us to two unavoidable issues in Latin America: The primary exporting model, and democracy.