MANAGING SOCIAL RISKS IN MINING PROJECTS THROUGH EFFECTIVE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

摘要

The success of mining ventures depends on a variety of factors, including positive relations between the mining projects and their social environment referred to as their social licence to operate. In the past, mining projects have encountered problems due to anti-mining sentiments from the local communities, Non Government Organisations (NGOs) and the civil society at large. Some of the key reasons for these sentiments are misperceptions about the industry and lack of trust in the mining companies. This in turn is often due to insufficient two-way communication between the mining companies and the communities in the vicinity of the project areas. This paper highlights the importance of proactive stakeholder engagement in managing stakeholder expectations and perceptions and minimising risk of potential opposition to the mining projects. The paper defines the notion of stakeholder engagement and how it is integrated with the project development phases, specifically the environmental and social assessment process. It subsequently sets out the international requirements and guidelines for stakeholder engagement. The paper then provides some key elements of successful stakeholder engagement, including: conducting a thorough stakeholder identification and analysis, starting stakeholder engagement on time and using culturally appropriate communication tools adapted to each stakeholder group. The authors use examples from their own experiences to illustrate the discussion.