From Delco road to Marampa pub and back: Austria at Marampa mines, 1980-1985

Hauser, Julia Maria (2014). From Delco road to Marampa pub and back: Austria at Marampa mines, 1980-1985. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This thesis highlights the period from 1980-85 in the history of the iron ore mines at Marampa, Sierra Leone, when they were operated by (a subsidiary of) an Austrian state-owned steel company. The mines had previously been abandoned by a British company, which had run it for decades.Hence, from its start,the Austrian ‘rehabilitation project’ was carried out in the shadow of its predecessor’s heritage, but also against the general backdrop of Austria’s history of marginal involvement in Africa. For several reasons the project failed within only 5 years.
Intended as a contribution to the small body of Austrian-African shared historiography the thesis aims at reconstructing the short 'Austrian' period at Marampa mines, and to put it in the context of the general political and socio-economic climate of the time. The different ways the Marampa episode manifested itself in Austria are examined, using qualitative research methods and analyses of material from private and public archives. Interviews with former Austrian employees in the mines evoke memories of life at the mining site, its community and relations between Austrians and Sierra Leoneans. At the same time, their photographs, memorabilia, mementoes and reminiscences underline the impact the Marampa-experience had on their lives.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):