Chapter 12 - Mineral Profits Sharing
The state’s proposed mineral profits sharing initiative represents a groundbreaking step towards ensuring the equitable distribution of the wealth generated from the country’s vast natural resources. By allocating a portion of mineral revenues—10%—to be shared among all citizens, the government aims to establish a system of dividends or Universal Basic Income (UBI), which can act as a steady financial lifeline for the people. This initiative acknowledges the collective ownership of the nation’s mineral wealth, considering it as a shared asset for all citizens rather than a limited resource benefiting only a few.
In countries rich in natural resources, it is often the case that the benefits of these resources do not trickle down to the general population, resulting in increased inequality and disparities in income. This initiative is designed to reverse that trend by directly engaging the people in the profits generated from the mineral extraction industry. The envisioned 10% share of revenues will be distributed equitably among citizens, ensuring that every individual receives a fair portion based on the nation’s mineral wealth.
This initiative’s impact will be multifaceted. First and foremost, it will provide a source of disposable income for citizens, potentially improving their financial stability. With more disposable income, citizens will have the opportunity to invest in their personal growth, such as further education, skills development, or entrepreneurship. As people become more financially empowered, they will also be able to make more informed choices in other aspects of their lives, including healthcare and family well-being.
The additional financial freedom will also make it easier for families to access better healthcare. With the financial resources provided through the initiative, families can afford better medical services, preventive care, and treatments that may have been previously out of reach. This can lead to improved overall health outcomes and a more productive, healthier population in the long run. The same applies to education, where parents will be better equipped to pay for schooling, books, and educational resources, leading to a more educated and skilled workforce that will benefit the entire country.
Furthermore, by implementing this mineral profits sharing initiative, the government is encouraging long-term investments in the nation’s welfare system. With more citizens contributing to the economy and benefiting from its growth, there will be a rise in demand for goods and services, which will stimulate the local economy. Small businesses, especially in the health and education sectors, are likely to see growth as families invest in their futures. Additionally, with increased consumer spending, the government can reinvest the taxes generated from that spending into further social programs and infrastructural development, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and welfare improvements.
The introduction of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) through this initiative could also alleviate the pressure on the state’s social security programs, as citizens will be receiving direct financial support. By promoting this financial security, the initiative can reduce poverty rates and income inequality, two challenges that often plague economies heavily dependent on resource extraction.
In the broader context, the initiative will encourage greater social cohesion. When citizens see direct financial benefits from their country’s natural wealth, it can foster a sense of shared prosperity, national pride, and social responsibility. It also creates a sense of accountability within the government, as the state is directly responsible for managing and distributing the proceeds from natural resources for the benefit of the population.
In conclusion, the mineral profits sharing initiative is more than just a policy; it is a transformative step toward a more equitable and prosperous society. By ensuring that all citizens have a stake in the wealth generated from the country’s natural resources, the initiative will foster economic empowerment, improve access to essential services like healthcare and education, and contribute to a sustainable cycle of economic growth and welfare development. As the country progresses, this initiative will serve as a model for other nations seeking to ensure that the benefits of natural resource wealth are shared by all.