Managerial perspectives on strategies for advancing environmental considerations in the mining industry

Abstract

Pressure on the mining industry to address environmental and social challenges is growing at the same time as society's and stakeholders’ expectations have increased. In order to understand why and how the mining industry is addressing the environmental challenges they are facing; this research is focused on studying the drivers to advance environmental considerations and the overall strategic environmental approach the mining industry in Finland is currently taking. This study is based on a questionnaire administrated to senior mine managers in Finland to capture their view of the matter. Based on the findings, legislation and societal expectations are the most significant external drivers, while mine management's own contribution is very important to advancing environmental considerations. Results show that perceived added value in addressing environmental considerations is gaining social license to operate, and further value derives from gaining operational benefits by improving internal process efficiency. This research shows some global trends which are largely missing in mining companies’ agendas in Finland, namely mitigation of climate change and contribution to the circular economy. Overall, this paper covers policy and managerial implications of addressing environmental considerations of the mining industry.