Subchapter 7.2 - Social license in mining: Can it operate outside the realm of sustainable development and responsible mining?

Abstract

Social license is intended as a metaphor to encapsulate values. Certain basics like upholding basic human rights, avoiding corruption, and working to save environment. Does this mean that the social license to operate is doomed to the realm of intangible “do-gooder” sentiments or are real and meaningful foundations for a social license to operate being defined by mining companies through improved practices that incorporate notions of sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, or corporate citizenship? Most of the elements discussed as part of social licensing or social contract is well integrated in various legislations and constitutional provisions rendering the issue of social licensing to operate a tripartite contract between state, communities, and corporations. This not only puts a lot of onus on the State and its enforcement machinery but raises question of morality and ethics on the part of mining corporations.