To fully understand the threat that the CPI(Maoist) poses to the Indian state, and to neoliberal capitalism at large, one has to consider India’s capitalist development schemes. Capitalism requires unlimited growth, without regard to environmental destruction, sustainability or the welfare of indigenous peoples. As this article from Mining Weekly points out, India’s mining profits are far lower than those in other countries with comparable geological resources. To maintain its status as an emerging capitalist power, India needs to boost its profits in this sector. So it is pouring money into mining technology. What the article doesn’t say, however, is that the Maoists and their tribal base in Central and East India, often prevent mining firms from operating in these areas. This is not just a problem for the Indian state, but for capital accumulation on a global scale. As this article makes clear, (albeit with some disinformation) Indian coal is a key global commodity–and its extraction is being slowed by Maoist efforts. Further capitalist mining development will only mean further military and economic attacks on the Maoists and tribal peoples.
India sets aside $1.4bn for exploration investment
By Ajoy K Das
13th October 2011
