Evaluating the mining industry’s view of their success in delivering a positive legacy for host communities at the time of mine closure

The Challenge

The mining industry, at both global and domestic levels, has for a number of decades been offering to communities a “deal” that seeks to balance some environmental damage, cultural heritage loss and societal impacts with opportunities for local jobs, local contracts, royalties, taxes and community development initiatives, in the expectation that this combination will leave a community better off for having had a mine on their land or in proximity to their community. With some of the arguably more progressive and iconic mines now preparing to close, an opportunity has arisen to assess the hypothesis that communities are or have become better off as a result of the mines in their local areas and to reflect on where changes to the “deal” may be needed as a result.

Proposed Solution

The research will review the extent to which the societal value of the “deal” has changed in recent years. While the experience of all host communities is relevant to this topic, the focus of the research proposal has been narrowed to assess the experience of Indigenous communities or land-connected peoples in different parts of the world.

Proposed Benefits to WA

Liz’s research is providing an important foundation to consent-based relationships between mining companies and indigenous communities affected by mining. By delivering better understanding of how mining projects can contribute to improved sustainable development outcomes, this work could support positive negotiations for land access agreements and help with long-term planning for positive social development legacies post mine closure.