Senior Research Fellow
Overview
Fitsum is an economist and social scientist focused on sustainable human development effects of economic activities including those related to extractive resources, infrastructure, and industrial development. He is internationally recognised for his work on the potential for resource-rich countries to utilise the inter-sectoral linkages with the extractive sector for economic transformation, and the role of policy makers and industry actors in achieving it. He is particularly passionate about harmonizing the interplay between state intervention and market dynamics, and optimizing the opportunities related to the interface between extractive minerals and the transition to clean energy for harnessing sustainable energy solutions.
Having started his career in economics and finance in government and banking sector, Fitsum applied his development economics and political science training in his role as researcher with the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining at SMI between 2011 and 2016. In this role, he conducted applied research on fiscal and non-fiscal contribution of large-scale mining, impact of extractives on political settlements and conflict, mining and sub-regional development, engaging the private sector for inclusive extractive industries, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and formalisation efforts, extractive industries transparency and governance, social license in technology design, resettlement and livelihoods, and social aspects of mine closure. He has also delivered capacity building programs to practitioners, policy makers and key stakeholder groups from several countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Topics included connecting mining to human development outcomes, managing the social and environmental impacts of mining, community research methods, and resource governance.
Fitsum then took the role of Senior Researcher with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in London from 2016 to 2019. In this role, he led ASM action dialogue programmes, overseeing research to support the national dialogues in Tanzania, Ghana and Madagascar. He also led and conducted a series of research activities to inform decisions by more than 60 member countries of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (IGF).
More recently, Fitsum worked as an independent senior research consultant; and Senior Social Specialist for GHD in Australia. In addition to applied and academic research and capacity building experience, he has delivered presentations and guest speaking in numerous global conferences and workshops.
Research Impacts
Fitsum’s work experience spans more than 25 mining, energy and agriculture sites internationally, and in countries including Australia, Botswana, Chile, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, and the United States.
Following the ASM action dialogue programme in Tanzania, Fitsum helped establish the Foundation for ASM Development, a knowledge creation and exchange platform based in Dar es Salaam. He has also delivered short courses including local content training tool on macroeconomic risks (2022); Learning for Nature Lecture free Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) on Gender and Mining Governance (2021); and Masterclass course on ‘Community research methods’ -delivered in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria (2014).
In 2023, Fitsum won the inaugural CRC TiME outstanding Student Award in recognition of his Ph.D. “research and working relationships, global focus and quality of work, skills in stakeholder engagement and ability to provide value to regional areas through research”.
In his capacity as a senior researcher and consultant, Fitsum has engaged in applied and academic research, strategy design, multi-stakeholder action dialogues, and capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with various organisations. These include governments (e.g. The Commonwealth, SWISSAID Tanzania, UK Department for International Development (DFID), DFAT’s International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC), the German development agency, various mining ministries in Africa); international agencies (e.g. The World Bank, International Finance Corporation, the IGF, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the International Institute for Sustainable and Development); Foundations (Ford Foundation and The Tiffany & Co. Foundation); Private sector (BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Shell Nigeria, Ambatovy, MMG Limited, Newcrest, Allied Gold, TINCO Investments Ltd); and civil society (e.g. Transparency International, International Women in Mining).
Fitsum has published more than 35 peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, major research reports, and newspaper articles. He peer-reviewer for Resources Policy; International Development; and The Extractive Industries and Society.
Fitsum was responsible in raising and successfully managing approx. USD982,000 in research and dialogue programmes.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy of Industry Economics and Industrial Organisation, The University of Queensland
- Masters (Coursework) of International Economics and Finance, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Commerce, University of the Free State
- Bachelor of Economics, University of Asmara
Publications
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Book Chapter: Local content in the context of social impact assessment and management
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. and Dietsche, Evelyn (2024). Local content in the context of social impact assessment and management. Handbook of Social Impact Assessment and Management. (pp. 444-458) Edward Elgar Publishing. doi: 10.4337/9781802208870.00038
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Other Outputs: Utilising inter-sectoral linkages with the extractive sector for economic transformation in Africa and Australia
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2024). Utilising inter-sectoral linkages with the extractive sector for economic transformation in Africa and Australia. PhD Thesis, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/2efeee9
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Journal Article: The interplay of mineral and energy security: A nexus approach to Africa's economic diversification
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2023). The interplay of mineral and energy security: A nexus approach to Africa's economic diversification. Energy Research and Social Science, 106 103336, 103336. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2023.103336
Grants
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Impact of the Responsible Jewellery Council's Code of Practice on gender equality
(2022–2023) Responsible Jewellery Council
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Development of a navigator for the support of economic diversification in resource-rich countries
(2015–2016) Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
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Evidence synthesis on the impact of extractives on political settlements and conflict in East Africa
(2015–2016) Department for International Development - East Africa Research Hub
Publications
Book
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Gold Ridge mining project: social and resettlement action plan. 3rd independent monitoring report
Owen, John and Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2011). Gold Ridge mining project: social and resettlement action plan. 3rd independent monitoring report. St. Lucia, QLD, Australia: Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland.
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Owen, John and Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2011). Gold Ridge mining project: social and and resettlement action plan. 2nd independent monitoring report. St. Lucia, QLD, Australia: Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland.
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Global masters in microfinance: an international survey report
Pacheco, Vladimir, Picquenot, Aude, Su, June and Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2010). Global masters in microfinance: an international survey report. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC).
Book Chapter
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Local content in the context of social impact assessment and management
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. and Dietsche, Evelyn (2024). Local content in the context of social impact assessment and management. Handbook of Social Impact Assessment and Management. (pp. 444-458) Edward Elgar Publishing. doi: 10.4337/9781802208870.00038
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Evaluating conflict risks in Africa’s resource governance
Sturman, Kathryn and Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2019). Evaluating conflict risks in Africa’s resource governance. Africa’s mineral fortune: the science and politics of mining and sustainable development. (pp. 28-44) edited by Saleem H. Ali, Kathryn Sturman and Nina Collins. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429467424-3
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Measuring transformative development from mining: a case study of Madagascar
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum and Parra, Cristian (2019). Measuring transformative development from mining: a case study of Madagascar. Africa's mineral fortune: the science and politics of mining and sustainable development. (pp. 119-145) edited by Saleem H. Ali, Kathryn Sturman and Nina Collins. London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429467424-9
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Women in artisanal and small-scale mining: Interventions for greater participation
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2019). Women in artisanal and small-scale mining: Interventions for greater participation. Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Handbook for Malawi with a regional perspective. (pp. 129-139) edited by Tychsen, J., Dombola, K. H. A., Salima, J. W., Mbale-Luka, T., Banda, N. S., Nyirenda, G. B., Maneya, G. J., Msika, B., Kamwanje, I., Kaphwiyo, C., Etter-Phoya, R., Phiri, R. and Mandere, H.. Copenhagen, Denmark: Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS).
Journal Article
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The interplay of mineral and energy security: A nexus approach to Africa's economic diversification
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2023). The interplay of mineral and energy security: A nexus approach to Africa's economic diversification. Energy Research and Social Science, 106 103336, 103336. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2023.103336
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Weldegiorgis, Scholar Fitsum S., Dietsche, Evelyn, Ahmad, Shabbir, Franks, Daniel M. and Cust, James (2023). Inter‐sectoral economic linkages in the Australian mining industry: analysis using partial hypothetical extraction method. Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 68 (1), 206-226. doi: 10.1111/1467-8489.12544
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum Semere, Dietsche, Evelyn and Ahmad, Shabbir (2023). Inter-sectoral economic linkages in the mining industries of Botswana and Tanzania: analysis using partial hypothetical extraction method. Resources, 12 (7) 78, 78. doi: 10.3390/resources12070078
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S., Dietsche, Evelyn, Franks, Daniel M., Cust, James and Ahmad, Shabbir (2022). Mining and linkages for economic transformation: revealing multi-stakeholder perspectives through Q-methodology. The Extractive Industries and Society, 12 101174, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.exis.2022.101174
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Building mining's economic linkages: a critical review of local content policy theory
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S., Dietsche, Evelyn and Franks, Daniel M. (2021). Building mining's economic linkages: a critical review of local content policy theory. Resources Policy, 74 102312, 102312. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2021.102312
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Using dialogue to extract sustainable solutions for artisanal and small-scale mining
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2018, 02 26). Using dialogue to extract sustainable solutions for artisanal and small-scale mining International institute for environment and development (IIED) blog 1-1.
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Six steps forward for African mining
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2017, 03 01). Six steps forward for African mining International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) blog 1-1.
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S., Mesfin, Berouk and Sturman, Kathryn (2016). Looking for oil, gas and mineral development in Ethiopia: prospects and risks for the political settlement. Extractive Industries and Society, 4 (1), 151-162. doi: 10.1016/j.exis.2016.12.003
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Talking sustainable development in the troubled world of ASM
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2016, 10 25). Talking sustainable development in the troubled world of ASM International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) blog 1-1.
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. and Ali, Saleem H. (2016). Mineral resources and localised development: Q-methodology for rapid assessment of socioeconomic impacts in Rwanda. Resources Policy, 49, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2016.03.006
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Logging, mining and climate vulnerability in the Solomon Islands
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2014, 12 01). Logging, mining and climate vulnerability in the Solomon Islands Environment, conflict and cooperation (ECC) platform
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. and Franks, Daniel M. (2013). Social dimensions of energy supply alternatives in steelmaking: comparison of biomass and coal production scenarios in Australia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 84 (1), 281-288. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.09.056
Conference Publication
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Mining development and opportunities for poverty reduction and human development in Latin America
Parra, Cristian and Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2013). Mining development and opportunities for poverty reduction and human development in Latin America. SRMINING 2013: 2nd International Conference on Social Responsibility in Mining, Santiago, Chile, 5-8 November, 2013. Gecamin Digital Publications.
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Central bank independence in East African countries: the case of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2007). Central bank independence in East African countries: the case of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. World Association for Sustainable Development 5th International Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 29-31 October 2007.
Other Outputs
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2024). Utilising inter-sectoral linkages with the extractive sector for economic transformation in Africa and Australia. PhD Thesis, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/2efeee9
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2022). Women and the mine of the future: a gendered analysis of employment and skills in the large-scale mining sector of Australia. Winnipeg, Canada: IISD.
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2022). Women and the mine of the future: a gendered analysis of employment and skills in the large-scale mining sector of Ghana. Winnipeg, Canada: IISD.
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S., Lawson, Lynda and Verbrugge, Hannelore (2018). Women in artisanal and small-scale mining: Challenges and opportunities for greater participation. Report prepared by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) for the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (IGF). Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: International Institute for Sustainable Development.
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Global trends in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM): a review of key numbers and issues
Morgane, Fritz, McQuilken, James, Collins, Nina and Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2018). Global trends in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM): a review of key numbers and issues. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: International Institute for Sustainable Development.
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Action dialogue on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Tanzania
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum and Reynolds, Francis (2018). Action dialogue on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Tanzania. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
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Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. and Buxton, Abbi (2017). Informing dialogue on artisanal and small-scale mining in Tanzania. A thematic review of challenges and solutions. Institute, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
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Navigator to support economic diversification: instruments for resource-rich developing countries
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S., Ali, Saleem and Sturman, Kathryn (2017). Navigator to support economic diversification: instruments for resource-rich developing countries. Eschborn, Germany: The Sector Project Sustainable Economic Policy and Private Sector Development of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
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Socio-ecological impacts and conflict: Rio-Tinto’s QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM)
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S. (2015, 06 25). Socio-ecological impacts and conflict: Rio-Tinto’s QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) Adelphi research at the Environment, Conflict and Cooperation (ECC) Platform 1-1.
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Social aspects of the closure of Century Mine: combined report
Everingham, Jo-Anne, Brereton, David, Arbelaez-Ruiz, Diana, Barnes, Rodger, Collins, Nina, Weldegiorgis, Fitsum, Rogers, Paul and Oñate Santibáñez, Barbara (2013). Social aspects of the closure of Century Mine: combined report. Social aspects of the closure of Century Mine St. Lucia, QLD, Australia: Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland.
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Designing mining technology for social outcomes: final report of the Technology Futures Project
Franks, D. M., McNab, K., McNab, K., Weldegiorgis, F., Horberry, T., Garcia-Vasquez, M., Oñate Santibáñez, B., Barnes, R. and McLellan, B. C. (2013). Designing mining technology for social outcomes: final report of the Technology Futures Project. St. Lucia, QLD, Australia: Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining & the Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland.
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Arbeláez-Ruiz, Diana and Weldegiorgis, Fitsum (2013). Social aspects of the closure of Century Mine: survey of employees in GCA roles at Century Mine. Supplement B. Social aspects of the closure of Century Mine St. Lucia, QLD, Australia: Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland.
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The social dimensions of charcoal use in steelmaking: Analysing technology alternatives
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum and Franks, Daniel M. (2012). The social dimensions of charcoal use in steelmaking: Analysing technology alternatives. Cluster research report 2.7 Brisbane Australia: The University of Queensland.
Grants (Administered at UQ)
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Impact of the Responsible Jewellery Council's Code of Practice on gender equality
(2022–2023) Responsible Jewellery Council
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Development of a navigator for the support of economic diversification in resource-rich countries
(2015–2016) Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
-
Evidence synthesis on the impact of extractives on political settlements and conflict in East Africa
(2015–2016) Department for International Development - East Africa Research Hub
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Engaging the Private Sector for Inclusive Extractive Industries in Africa
(2014) Synergy Global Consulting Limited
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(2013) UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
