Department: University of Delaware, Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences
Publisher: University of Delaware
Date Issued: 2020
Abstract: India, historically one of the world’s major diamond producers, is no longer a player in the global diamond economy. Nevertheless, diamond mining still occurs in the country, primarily in the greater Panna region of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The mining region borders Panna National Park, a major tiger reserve and conservation zone. In this thesis, based on fieldwork carried out in the summer of 2019, I present a treatment of artisanal and small-scale diamond mining (ASDM) in Panna that considers its social and environmental impacts on society as derived from and perpetuated by its historical, geophysical, institutional, cultural, economic, and ecological influences. I further offer suggestions to reform ASDM in Panna in a manner that prioritizes social equality, economic stability, environmental protection, and ecological conservation while allowing for continued diamond mining.
