Economic reconversion and the creation of new trajectories in peripheral mining regions: Proposing a theoretical framework

Abstract

Several regions around the world face the challenge of renewing their economies when the usual growth trajectory begins to weaken. In territories where a particular economic activity predominates—a lock-in, as in the case of mining regions—it is considered essential to define new trajectories that allow for economic diversification following the closure of extraction activities. These regions are at a critical juncture to plan for future diversification. This article seeks, based on the literature of evolutionary economic geography (EEG), to expand the understanding of the relationship between mining in peripheral areas and regional diversification, highlighting the role of regional actors in creating new trajectories, whether related to mining or not. The search for a path creation model that considers social, environmental, and economic aspects is becoming increasingly important, both for civil society and for initiatives from national, international, and regulatory bodies. As such, the discussion about path development has gained significant prominence in political agendas and civil dialogues. It presents a theoretical framework that cyclically integrates the creation of new trajectories, influenced by the actions of local agents, who also contribute to strengthening territorial resilience.