This note reflects on Mozambique’s participation in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights plenary held in London (24–26 March). It engages with what is commonly framed as “illegal mining” and, drawing on CDD’s growing learning and field experience, argues that the phenomenon goes beyond a security issue, reflecting deeper dynamics of exclusion and contested access to resources. While still part of an ongoing learning process, the note points to the need to move from securitisation towards more balanced governance approaches, including tripartite engagement between state institutions, companies and communities.
