Papers presented by Veronique Pouillard since 2019

2024 Providence, Rhode Island

"Traveling for knowledge: the missions abroad of employees of the mining industries of Belgian Congo and Chile (1905-1960s)"

Abstract:

This paper explores the historical operations of multinational mining companies in Latin America and Africa, shedding light on their impacts on host countries by analyzing recruitment practices and knowledge transfer through study travels. It primarily focuses on the comparison between Chile and the Congo, with an emphasis on the activities of Union Minière du Haut-Katanga and Société minière du Bécéka during the 1930s to the 1960s. Multinational mining companies historically invested in developing countries, creating mining projects that evolved into isolated “enclave” economies. In Latin America, North American and European corporations made significant investments from the late 19th century onwards. A similar trend developed in African countries rich in mineral resources in the early to mid-20th century. Despite the need for local expertise, multinationals appointed foreign managers and engineers to oversee operations, relying on local workers for hands-on tasks. Whether practices in Latin America and Africa were similar or different, and how multinationals acquired the necessary knowledge and skills for their mining projects, are explored. Archival records of Belgian and North American mining companies are analyzed, uncovering foreign-dominated management similarities, challenges in knowledge transfer due to geological differences, and the evolving purposes of travel, including gathering technical knowledge and addressing management concerns. The study also explores the changing dynamics, safety concerns, and education efforts during Congo’s decolonization. The research contributes to the understanding of multinational corporations’ impact on host countries, emphasizing their role in employment, technology transfer, and organizational practices. It enriches the literature on knowledge transfer, exchange, and the importance of travel within corporate routines. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the operations of major multinationals in Latin America and Africa during periods of liberalization and political change.

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