An Essential Part of Modern Mining: Corporate Social Responsibility and the Pro-Active Engagement with Stakeholders

By Sean Addie
Mineral Exploration Roundup 2011 Blogger

This morning three hundred delegates streamed into the Stanley park ballroom to hear experts discuss the role of CSR in the mining industry.  These experts discussed the domestic and international roles industry, government and civil society must play if mining is to be sustainably pursued in the future.

The panellists spoke on a wide variety of topics, ranging in focus from industry wide international considerations to narrow community specific concerns.  Despite this range of topics, one message that was repeated over and over was that ethical, genuine and pro-active engagement with stakeholders is imperative.

This idea was repeated by Emmie Fairclough Senior Manager of Lands, Resource and Heritage for the Ta’an Kwäch’än First Nation, when she presented on Ta’an experiences with Industry-First Nation’s relations.  Fairclough noted the First Nation’s willingness to pursue development within their traditional territory, but cautioned industry to show respect for the sovereign status of First Nation governments “and not treat them as just another Stakeholder.”

During the question and answer period Fairclough told the audience about the strong relationship that the First Nation has formed with a mineral interest that is active on their lands.  She noted that the formation of this strong relationship has been aided by the mineral interest’s proactive engagement with the First Nation.  Key to this company’s engagement is the genuine desire to respect the cultural priorities of the Ta’an Kwäch’än First Nation.

This was repeated by Bill Mercer, VP Exploration with Avalon Rare Metals.  He asserted that early and honest engagement with host communities is of the utmost importance.  Mercer stated that “transparency, openness and honesty, combined with an open mind” is important in forming a mutually beneficial relationship with local communities.

This idea of serving stakeholders and not just shareholders was a common theme of the session.  Joseph Ringwald of Selwyn Resources Ltd. summed up the session when he stated: we are all on the planet together, “...do the right thing and you’ll add value.