The mining industry

Increasingly, 'sustainable' mining, has entered the discourse of the mining industry and international donor organisations. While a number of initiatives have sought to define what practices would constitute socially and environmentally responsible mining, the concept remains controversial. Many studies question whether even the 'best practices' of mining companies are compatible with sustainable development.

Mining and sustainable development

For many, mining is regarded as possessing the potential to contribute to economic development and poverty alleviation through wealth creation. The negative impacts of mining on social, environmental and economic development have also been well documented, and many therefore question whether mining is compatible with sustainable development. Recommended reading...

Strategies and indicators of sustainable mining

Much research focuses on mechanisms that the industry could employ to achieve more sustainable practices. It is argued that sustainable mining may be achieved through the use of a range of initiatives, including voluntary company codes of conduct, tripartite partnerships and supportive investment. A number of studies have also developed specific indicators for assessing sustainability. Recommended reading...

Local communities and indigenous peoples

One of the key challenges to sustainable mining is the relationship between mining companies and the communities - often indigenous peoples, that are directly affected. Initiatives, including stakeholder dialogues and community participation are increasingly used in the development of new mines. Assessments of these initiatives however emphasise the continuing problems of power inequality between companies and communities and suggest that stronger mechanisms of accountability are required. Recommended reading...