Responsibility for Our Actions

Rhona Macintosh – The Core

"You can’t just walk in and take over the place!" We live in a world with constant and increasing concerns over the environmental impact of human activity on the planet. We have blue bins, green bins, composts and hybrid cars! Individual people are busy as bees doing their part for the environment. What are mineral exploration and mining companies doing?

Communities near mine sites all over the world have concerns over the repercussions of mining in their areas and this afternoon’s technical session at Roundup is going to help mineral exploration and mining companies incorporate social responsibility into the industry.

The aim of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is to harmonize the needs of the companies with those of the communities and environments in the areas near their operations. The introductory session speaker Mike McPhie, Managing Director, Natural Resources Group, Heenan Blaikie Global Advisors Group Corp. outlined the benefits of investing in CSR for companies in the industry.

Engaging in sustainable development will attract the best workers, investing and financing; as well as government and public support. Full access to mining sites, as well as open communication will build relationships of trust between companies and communities. Money spent on sustainable development throughout the entire life span of a mine, from exploration to closure, is money well spent. You will definitely get a return in that investment.