Abstract
Spatially integrated social science is a broad term used to describe the integration of space and place in social science research using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It includes qualitative GIS approaches, such as geo-ethnology and geo-narratives, which combine qualitative social data with GIS and represent an emerging approach with significant potential for facilitating new insights into the dynamic interactions between mining companies and host communities. Mine operations are unique in their complexity, both in terms of the dynamic and diverse nature of issues and the requirement to integrate knowledge, theories, and approaches from a range of disciplines. In this paper we describe the potential for spatially integrated social science using qualitative GIS to understand the social impacts of mining. We review current literature and propose a framework that incorporates quantitative and qualitative knowledge across social and biophysical domains within a multi-user approach. We provide examples to illustrate how our approach could support past, present, and future assessment of socio-environmental systems in large-scale mining. We conclude by discussing the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to support decision makers and local stakeholders in considering complex social and environmental scenarios.
Highlights
Mining is commonly considered to be the purview of geologists and engineers, the influence and impacts of resource extraction are felt across social and environmental domains [1,2].As such, there is a need to consider the effects of resource extraction on the surrounding environment, including biodiversity, water, soil, and local communities, alongside the more traditional concerns of production, cost, and efficiency
A better understanding of the interactions between social and environmental systems is crucial in the formulation of sustainable development strategies, especially in the context of mining
Qualitative Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approaches represent a promising suite of methods for understanding the Quantitative spatial approaches are associated used to understand use and change spatial dimensions and dilemmas with mining.land
Summary
Mining is commonly considered to be the purview of geologists and engineers, the influence and impacts of resource extraction are felt across social and environmental domains [1,2]. When disciplines, such as anthropology, are engaged in the early phases of project development to assist in determining ownership of land and local practices for the use and management of natural resources this information is rarely integrated with quantitative approaches used in the environmental sciences. Integrated social science is a broad term used to describe the integration of space and place in social science research [15] Such an approach, embedded within a GIS platform, can link qualitative methods with quantitative social and environmental methods. We develop a framework that incorporates quantitative and qualitative knowledge across social and biophysical domains, within a multi-user approach. This approach includes a requirement for engagement with local level stakeholders
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