Communication, Consultation and Citizen Participation Mechanisms in the Management of Social Conflict during the Population Resettlement of Morococha, 2009–2013

Abstract

Analyzing the contribution of communication, consultation, and citizen participation mechanisms in managing the social conflict generated by the population resettlement process of Morococha, carried out between 2009 and 2013 in the context of the Toromocho Mining Project, is important to understand the contribution that these mechanisms made to the process.

The research employed a qualitative approach with a non-experimental, descriptive design. The study population consisted of actors involved in the resettlement process—residents, specialists, and community relations professionals—and a non-probability sample of 30 interviewees was selected based on saturation. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and a review of reports, minutes, and records generated during the process. The findings demonstrate that communication mechanisms—door-to-door visits, information workshops, permanent information offices, and alternative media—along with public consultations and participatory spaces—hearings, neighborhood workshops, forums, and street naming processes—facilitated the flow of information, consensus-building, and collective decision-making, thereby reducing social conflict in a multi-actor, multi-interest, and multi-scenario context.

Its phased application throughout the resettlement process helped prevent conflicts and ensure the social viability of population resettlement as a participatory and informed process, in accordance with global standards of social performance. The effective integration of communication, consultation, and citizen participation reduced social conflict and strengthened the legitimacy of the resettlement process. It is concluded that these mechanisms, managed transparently and continuously, are effective tools for participatory governance in extractive project contexts that require population resettlement.