Mineral Rents and the Financing of Social Policy: Options and Constraints (Research and Policy Brief)

Mineral wealth is not a curse but an economic opportunity. UNRISD research suggests that when countries carefully balance productive and redistributive goals, mineral wealth can be harnessed for equitable and sustainable development. To manage the challenges of a mineral-led growth path successfully, countries need to design and implement comprehensive, inclusive and rights-based social policies; build strong democratic institutions; and be given the policy space to foster productive diversification while safeguarding macroeconomic stability.

This brief was written by Katja Hujo with editorial support from Ciara McCorley and Rheem Al-Adhami.

UNRISD Research and Policy Briefs aim to improve the quality of development dialogue. They situate the Institute’s research within wider social development debates, synthesize its findings and draw out issues for consideration in decision-making processes. They provide this information in a concise format that should be of use to policy makers, scholars, activists, journalists and others.