As part of its monthly Research Fellow Spotlight, the Institute for Transnational Law sat down with Hamidou Dramé on April 21, 2020 to learn about his research interests in natural resources law and policy from a global perspective (e.g., mining, oil and gas, renewables). In addition to serving as a 2019-2020 MD Anderson Research Fellow in Transnational Law in the Institute for Transnational Law at The University of Texas School of Law (Texas Law), Mr. Dramé is also a Fulbright student from Guinea pursuing a LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Global Energy, International Arbitration & Environmental Law at Texas Law. Below is a transcription of the interview.
Please tell us about your research interests.
My research interest focuses on natural resources law and policies from a global perspective (mining, oil and gas, and renewables). As a 2019-2020 MD Anderson Research Fellow in the Institute of Transnational Law, I am doing my research on local content law and policies in the African mining sector. In recent years, mineral resource-rich countries in Africa such as Guinea have adopted detailed national regulations on local content with the objective to increase the percentage of locally produced goods and services, personnel, and financing in the value chain of mining operations.
What has your journey been to this point?
I did my Bachelor of Laws and Political Science in France and then pursued a Masters of Laws in International Law and Business Law before my admission to the bar in Lyon, France. I have worked for law firms in Paris, Abidjan, and Conakry. My practice focuses mainly on business law in relation to the energy and mining sectors. After some years of practice, I went to the University Dundee in Scotland to study mining law and then I moved to Austin for a LL.M in Global Energy, International Arbitration, and Environmental Law.
Can you speak of any challenges that you have had to overcome?
It is always a challenge moving to a foreign country, especially if you do not speak the language fluently. But I learned a lot from my various experiences in Europe, North America, and Africa.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, go outside of your comfort zone and explore new avenues. I can sum up this advice with these quotes from Nelson Mandela, who says: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” He also adds that “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
What lessons did you learn from your own research, which have shaped your way of thinking?
I have learned from my research that it is critical to have a global perspective on your research question, especially if you work on energy and mining issues. Laws and policies are influenced by politics and the economy, both at the national level and international level. For example, in my case study on the Guinean legal framework on local content in the mining sector, I have noticed that even though regulations exist, their implementation is challenging because of economics and political considerations (e.g., global supply chain, lack of financing for local businesses, tax incentives for mining companies, lack of energy infrastructure, etc.). As a researcher, it also important to not only focus on the description of issues but to provide recommendations and practical advice on how to solve legal problems.
Please tell us about your research interests.
My research interest focuses on natural resources law and policies from a global perspective (mining, oil and gas, and renewables). As a 2019-2020 MD Anderson Research Fellow in the Institute of Transnational Law, I am doing my research on local content law and policies in the African mining sector. In recent years, mineral resource-rich countries in Africa such as Guinea have adopted detailed national regulations on local content with the objective to increase the percentage of locally produced goods and services, personnel, and financing in the value chain of mining operations.
What has your journey been to this point?
I did my Bachelor of Laws and Political Science in France and then pursued a Masters of Laws in International Law and Business Law before my admission to the bar in Lyon, France. I have worked for law firms in Paris, Abidjan, and Conakry. My practice focuses mainly on business law in relation to the energy and mining sectors. After some years of practice, I went to the University Dundee in Scotland to study mining law and then I moved to Austin for a LL.M in Global Energy, International Arbitration, and Environmental Law.
Can you speak of any challenges that you have had to overcome?
It is always a challenge moving to a foreign country, especially if you do not speak the language fluently. But I learned a lot from my various experiences in Europe, North America, and Africa.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, go outside of your comfort zone and explore new avenues. I can sum up this advice with these quotes from Nelson Mandela, who says: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” He also adds that “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
What lessons did you learn from your own research, which have shaped your way of thinking?
I have learned from my research that it is critical to have a global perspective on your research question, especially if you work on energy and mining issues. Laws and policies are influenced by politics and the economy, both at the national level and international level. For example, in my case study on the Guinean legal framework on local content in the mining sector, I have noticed that even though regulations exist, their implementation is challenging because of economics and political considerations (e.g., global supply chain, lack of financing for local businesses, tax incentives for mining companies, lack of energy infrastructure, etc.). As a researcher, it also important to not only focus on the description of issues but to provide recommendations and practical advice on how to solve legal problems.
This interview was conducted by Dr. Mauricio Pajón, the program director of the Institute for Transnational Law.