A View on Integrated and Sustainable Minerals Value Chains

Abstract

Geology defines the occurrence of mineral deposits, and, therefore, mining is geographically constrained. However, the use of the mineral products in down-stream industries often takes place in countries different from the location of the mine. Therefore, mining communities do not necessarily appreciate the importance of mineral production for the benefit of people living in other countries, particularly if there is no tangible sharing of those benefits. Mining cannot choose locations that are logistically, socially, environmentally, or politically appropriate or ‘friendly’. This means that mining companies may have to deal with circumstances that could pose challenges such as the relationship with local communities, position in the landscape/environment, relationship with local and national governments, weak governance and associated increased risk of corruption and bribery. In order to deal with these challenges in a responsible way it means that geoscientists and engineers will need to build their capacity and skills on how to deal with local communities and related social issues. The outcome should be the equitable distribution of the benefits of development, including also mineral land-use planning issues, and minimization of the negative impacts on people and the environment. Thus, a sustainable and integrated view on minerals value chains requires looking even further upstream into the pre-exploration that includes planning process for mineral land use and development at the earliest stage.