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The article investigates how the narrative that speaks of large-scale mining (LSM) by multinational companies as a pathway to development is formed and sustained. The promotion of capitalism as a mode of production, in general, and for the profit of multinational companies, in particular, is legitimised by a positively connoted notion of 'development'. This builds on modernisation theory and complies with the neoliberal paradigm. By using Burkina Faso as a case study, this article demonstrates how the said narrative draws on a storyline of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) as dangerous, unorganised, and uncontrolled, constructed by state and corporate actors, and supported by some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to legitimise the expansion of LSM. It illustrates that the narrative is efficacious as it is supported by a variety of actors that are able to pursue their interests by promoting LSM as a pathway to development: for the companies and state authorities it fulfils the function of legitimising the expansion of LSM; for the NGOs, it enables them to raise funds. Moreover, the analysis reveals that the narrative promotes certain policies and, therewith, excludes others and thus social reality, e.g. the establishment of institutions. The article concludes by highlighting insights into moral economy illuminated by the provided analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]