Using revenues from Indigenous impact and benefit agreements: building theoretical insights

Abstract

Mining agreements with potentially significant revenues for Aboriginal communities in Canada and Australia have recently proliferated. Case studies have documented the impact of revenues from such agreements, but broader theoretical work and systematic analysis of variables determining positive outcomes – which could support informed choices about the use and management of mineral revenues – have been lacking. Using existing research on Indigenous peoples and customary landowners in Australia and Papua New Guinea, this article formulates some initial theoretical insights; identifies key variables that are likely to shape the outcomes of revenue management; and highlights fruitful areas for future research.