Sustainable Development of the Latin American Mining Industry- Its Social Dimension

During the past decade, there has been a marked increase in exploration and mineral development activities by local and multinational mining companies in Latin America. Throughout this period, local and international non-government organisations (NGOs) have focussed their attention on fragile ecosystems and local communities of the region. Conflicts between mining companies and local/indigenous communities have the potential to increase with rapid mining industry globalisation. Hence, there is a need to increase knowledge and expertise in this area, especially in countries where environmental and social protection frameworks are less developed. This paper examines the social dimension of sustainable development regarding the Latin American mining industry and is divided into two sections. The first section briefly describes the sustainability issues associated with mining and the community in Latin America. The second section proposes practical approaches and solutions to identified sustainability issues, and also addresses the role of mining companies and governments regarding the sustainability of the Latin American mining industry. This paper concludes by reaffirming the importance of developing mechanisms to facilitate consultation and participation of mining communities that channels and prioritises people’s concerns relating to the development of mining projects