Overview

Mining is a socially contentious activity. Global debates are intensifying around the extractive industries' social and environmental responsibilities and impacts on human rights, natural resources, culture, lands and livelihoods continue to dominate global discussion. Over the past decade, academic research has attempted to understand the dynamic effects of mining on society and the environment. However, the interface between the internal workings of mining organizations and the social environment outside the fence continues to elude scholars. How mining companies conceptualize, strategize, operationalize and relate to these problems and challenges is a critical, but much overlooked, piece of the corporate social responsibility puzzle. In this book the authors attempt to fill this gap, arguing that the social dimensions of mining are largely absent from the industry's contemporary research and policy improvement agenda. From authors with significant practical and academic expertise, the analysis is informed by actual work on the ground and close observance of the industry over many years. It will be immensely valuable to both practitioner and academic audiences.