Beyond corporate social responsibility. Towards a model for managing sustainable mining operations. Qualitative research based upon best practices

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study is to propose a model for conducting socially responsible operations in the mining industry, thriving to reach and sustain world-class standards in regard to profitability and environmental sustainability. The model uses a framework built upon a set of best practices in social responsibility by some of the largest mining companies in Peru.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted emphasizes the scrutiny of best practices among 92 initiatives undertaken by 10 companies – 5 large and 5 mid-sized companies as measured by the ratio “amount of investment” – which contributed most to prevent social conflict escalation. Data set received input from in-depth interviews to managers in charge of social affairs as well as from interviews to social constituents – beneficiaries and local authorities. Content analysis supported data processing and analysis of results.

Findings

Main findings comprise the following: distinct schemes for managing social responsibility in dependence upon impact evaluation indicators were found, which help to organize three models for conducting mining operations: traditional mining, up-to-date mining, and sustainability-oriented mining; evidence of distinct pathways undergone by large- and mid-sized companies in their quest to up-scale their corporate social responsibility profile.

Originality/value

Overall results from this study suggest the feasibility to modeling the social responsibility of mining companies in accordance to three dimensions – social, economic, and environmental – that draw from the analysis of best practices undertaken by large- and mid-sized companies.

Citation

Ventura, J. and Saenz, C.S. (2015), "Beyond corporate social responsibility. Towards a model for managing sustainable mining operations. Qualitative research based upon best practices", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 605-621. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-06-2014-0077