Abstract
Partnerships are emerging as important for the business operations of mining enterprises in many
parts of the world, particularly in the global South. During 2010, the London-based International Council
on Mining and Minerals launched a global initiative which is geared to strengthen the contribution of
mining to development goals and poverty reduction by promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships. The
purpose of this article is to furnish a critical review of relevant international experience of partnerships
between mining companies and governments. These partnerships are considered to represent
innovative cooperation models for economic development (especially diversification) and service
delivery. It is argued that whilst partnerships represent an aspect of good business practice for mining
enterprises, partnerships are not a panacea and in certain situations may not be an appropriate model
for delivering results. In light of the significance of socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa,
and of the potential for expansion of mining activities, further research is required concerning the
operations of mining enterprises and partnerships in this region of the global economy.