ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the multi-sectoral partnership arrangements developed to improve health services in proximity to the proposed Las Cristinas Gold Mine in Bolivar State, Venezuela. The initial proposal regarding health provision was to expand the company's healthcare facilities within the concession compound to serve the needs of future workers and their families. The partnership-building process, including training in negotiation and consensus-building, has contributed to the accumulation of human and social capital locally, as newly trained participants take on new roles and responsibilities within their organisations and as community groups develop new motivation, leadership skills and relationships. The health centre, through its outreach training programmes for community health workers, will make a significant contribution to preventative disease treatment. For the most part, each party contributed resources within its normal range of activities, thus affecting only its variable costs rather than introducing new fixed costs.
