Extractive industries and local sustainable development in Zambia: The case of corporate social responsibility of selected metal mines

Abstract

This research sought in-depth understanding of extractives' corporate social responsibility [CSR] in North-Western Zambia and its impact on local sustainable development. It relied on case study approach to understand processes and outcomes of CSR investments by sampled mines. The study relied on both primary, secondary, qualitative and quantitative sources of data to triangulate perspectives. The case study explored four dimensions of CSR: how decisions and prioritisation of CSR were made; level of stakeholders’ engagement and participation; appropriateness and viability of performance monitoring and accountability systems of sampled mines on CSR commitments; and outcomes [benefits and costs] to host communities from CSR; and factors underlying associated outcomes.Overall, three common themes emerged, differentiated by adopted CSR model, mine ownership, alignment to national, local development priorities and depth of stakeholders’ engagement. Firstly, dominant narrative by extractives was enthusiastic about CSR and its positive impact on sub-national development. The second viewpoint, predominantly by Local Authority, civil society and community-oriented perspective was sceptical about effects of CSR, mining and reiterated strong concerns about negative impacts. Third perspective was mainly reformist by government entities, dominant political parties and development partners, who deemed optimisation of benefits from extractives as sub-optimal.