Inclusive mining for sustainable development: Promoting diversity and inclusion through corporate volunteering and the SDGs

The extraction and processing of metals and other minerals have played an important role in economic, political and social development worldwide, from the early stages of prehistory to the present day (Gosner, 2020). Mining has been a fundamental part of human civilization, providing the raw materials necessary for technological, infrastructure and industrial advances. As society progresses, the importance of mining continues to grow, supporting the development of everything from the smallest electronic devices to the tallest skyscrapers (Escamilla, 2024). The economy of a nation is connected to its extractive industries (Moreira and McMahon, 2014), which have seen dramatic growth in recent years (Pietrobelli et al., 2018). Figure 1: Total mining production, 2022, by continents. In a context of increasing demand for natural resources, driven by the development of emerging technologies, the expansion of infrastructure and the foundation of engineering achievements for the coming decades (Minerals Education Coalition, 2024), mining should focus efforts on global development, requiring a comprehensive approach to sustainability that addresses the planet’s needs and protects the well-being, primarily, of the communities and environments where mining operations take place (Figari, 2024). In these areas, diversity and inclusion should be promoted, thus fostering equitable and sustainable development. The sustainable development goals (SDGs), also known as the global goals, could serve as a key framework for fostering a strong social management culture in mining. The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 (United Nations Development Programme, n.d.). Companies have compelling reasons to align their actions with the SDGs, as their long-term success depends on healthy communities. This is a major challenge that requires collaborative efforts (Singh and Rahman, 2021). As Fraser (2021) mentions, achieving more sustainable outcomes may involve mining companies and communities working together collaboratively. This article proposes an innovative approach: Inclusive mining for sustainable development, which aims not only to maximize economic profitability but also to promote social and environmental well-being by integrating the UN’s SDGs, primar)ily focused on diversity and inclusion. This can be achieved through the implementation of a key value-added initiative for mining companies: the creation and operation of a corporate volunteering program aimed at developing and executing inclusive practices to promote gender equality, the inclusion of local communities and indigenous peoples, and accessibility for people with disabilities. This proposal will educate employees and stakeholders about sustainability and promote concrete actions through corporate volunteering to strengthen the mining company’s commitment to community development, improve social relations and advance toward achieving the UN’s SDGs, establishing the company as a global change agent. Development Global mining. The mining industry extracts valuable minerals and metals from the Earth, which are essential to produce a wide range of products. For example, iron ore is a key component of steel, which is widely used in construction and manufacturing. Copper is vital for electrical wiring due to its high conductivity. Rare earth elements are crucial for producing high-tech devices such as smartphones, computers and renewable energy technologies like wind turbines and electric vehicles (Escamilla, 2024). Without mining, the availability of these essential materials would be severely limited, stifling technological and industrial progress. As Mashford (2022) states, our daily lives depend on minerals and metals. We need them for almost every component of our modern world, as well as for the world we are building. Figure 2: Sustainable development goals (United Nations, 2024). Statistical studies by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance in its publication World Mining Data (2024) detail global mineral production percentages by continent, highlighting that minerals are the backbone of the economy. Mining is indispensable for the modern world. Magnus Brunner, Austria’s Minister of Finance, emphasizes that the industry provides the raw materials necessary for technological innovation, economic growth, infrastructure development and energy production. As we continue to progress and strive for sustainability, the mining industry must also evolve, adopting practices that are more environmentally friendly and considerate of the communities that host mining operations. This is why, in a world where sustainability and inclusion are global imperatives, the mining industry plays a crucial role in economic and social development worldwide (International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2024). Corporate social responsibility. Interest in sustainability and corporate social responsibility has become an increasingly prominent issue in many countries and industries, with none more so than the mining industry (Jenkins and Yakovleva, 2006). The concept of sustainable development is based on three dimensions: (1) economic development, (2) environmental protection and (3) social inclusion (National Geographic Spain, 2024). Therefore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key aspect in the mining sector, as it involves the commitment to operate in ways that benefit both the environment and local communities, aiming to minimize environmental impact, respect local cultures and traditions, and foster economic development in those communities. Now, in addition to considering performance and maximizing profits, miners must also think about their environmental footprint, community acceptance and workforce inclusion (Mashford, 2022). Mining as an ally to achieve the SDGs. The goal of the 17 SDGs, part of the UN’s 2030 agenda, is to achieve equitable economic development, inclusive from a social perspective and sustainable from an environmental standpoint (International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2024). These goals provide a common framework to analyze the most urgent economic, social and environmental challenges of the present generation, including the respective roles that all agents of society play in achieving sustainable development (Dlouhá et al., 2022). The mining industry is a key player in achieving the SDGs. Figure 3: Overall progress across targets based on 2015–2024 global aggregate data (United Nations, 2024). One key reason for the mining sector’s role in working toward the SDGs lies in the fact that long-term profitability depends on healthy communities. However, George et al. (2016) suggest that companies alone cannot address the “grand challenges” encompassed by the SDGs, noting that these goals require a collective, collaborative and coordinated effort. In May 2024, the UN presented “The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024,” which provides a comprehensive overview of the world’s progress nine years into the journey to 2030. Using the latest available data, the report highlights both successes and challenges as the international community strives to fully realize the ambitions and principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (United Nations, 2024). This annual SDG report is prepared by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs in collaboration with the UN statistical system, consisting of more than 50 international and regional agencies, based on data from more than 200 countries and territories. The assessment of progress reveals that the world is far from achieving the 2030 agenda, as only 17 percent of the goals are progressing as expected to be achieved by 2030.This research focuses on SDGs 5, 8, 10 and 16, which are essential for promoting inclusion, diversity and the strengthening of solid institutions. The UN report reveals that, globally, the first three goals (5, 8, and 10) show progress toward the targets set for 2030, with a maximum of 25 percent advancement. The fourth goal (16) shows marginal progress, exceeding 60 percent, but is still far from the level expected by the UN. Mining plays a key role as a responsible agent in collaborating with the SDGs, contributing to improving performance indicators and the achievement of these objectives. Additionally, it serves as a strategic guide for social investment in the mining sector and the implementation of programs that promote human rights, inclusion and diversity in the local communities hosting mining operations (World Bank, 2024). Figure 4: Progress assessment for the 17 goals based on assessed targets, by goal (percentage) (United Nations, 2024). This approach includes specific initiatives aimed at strengthening community participation, ensuring that mining activities contribute sustainably to local social and economic development. By aligning with the SDGs, the industry not only fosters positive social impacts but also ensures that its operations are integrated into the broader framework of sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and the well-being of local populations. In this way, the mining industry will not only generate positive impacts on communities, improving their quality of life and opportunities, but also strengthen its role as an agent of global change. Value proposition: Corporate volunteering The key value proposition of this project lies in the creation and operation of a corporate volunteering program focused on the SDGs, especially goals 5, 8, 10 and 16. The volunteering program will aim to develop and implement inclusive practices to promote gender equality, the inclusion of local communities and indigenous peoples, and accessibility for people with disabilities. This program will not only raise awareness and educate employees on the importance of sustainability, but it will also enable them to contribute directly to the development of local communities and the achievement of the SDGs. Therefore, the following steps are proposed for the creation of the volunteering program, which will involve the participation of mining employees as volunteers, the integration of the SDGs, collaboration with communities, and the monitoring of achievements. Operation. The volunteering program would operate through a system structured by the mining company, where employees have the opportunity to engage in projects designed to contribute to sustainability, improve the quality of life in local communities and promote diversity and inclusion. Volunteers could work directly with communities, participating in teaching technical skills, promoting gender equality, facilitating access to job opportunities, or engaging in activities that promote social cohesion and peaceful conflict resolution. Figure 5: Steps for creating a corporate volunteering program in mining companies. Impacts of creating corporate volunteering in mining companies Economic impact: Improved operational efficiency and competitiveness of the mining company through sustainable practices. Social impact: Promotion of gender equality, inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups. It also impacts social acceptance by demonstrating the company’s commitment to the well-being of local communities. Environmental impact: Promoting sustainability and environmental awareness in mining operations and within the community. Impact on governance and justice: Strengthening civic participation, social justice and local institutions. Some success stories of mining companies contributing to sustainable development BHP Foundation. The BHP Foundation is a charitable organization funded by BHP that works to address some of the world’s most critical sustainable development challenges. Key areas of focus include empowering indigenous peoples as stewards of lands and seas that contain 80 percent of the world’s remaining biodiversity; eliminating corruption and poor governance of natural resources, which consign more than 1 billion people to poverty; and harnessing the potential of young people by enabling access to quality education to unlock their potential and improve their life choices (BHP, 2024). Figure 6: Project initiatives according to the selected SDGs. Rio Tinto Indigenous Leadership Development Program. This program supports indigenous employees in accelerating their transition to higher roles within the company and bridging any development gaps. The program can include access to one of their university partnerships to fast-track tailored learning, helping employees secure qualifications for their next role, or placements in other roles or operations to develop core business and leadership skills (Rio Tinto, 2024). Newmont-IUCN Biodiversity Net Gain Review Protocol. This protocol aims to help transform Newmont’s operations to meet the objectives of achieving “no net loss” in key biodiversity values and generating net gains where possible, thus contributing to sustainable development (Newmont, 2023). Conclusions By adopting inclusive mining for sustainable development, and establishing a corporate volunteering program focused on the SDGs, companies will not only meet international sustainability standards but also become a leader in positive transformation within the mining industry. Through these initiatives, a future is envisioned where mining is not only profitable but also a driving force for positive change for present and future generations. Socially, this volunteering program will generate employment opportunities and professional development for groups that have historically faced difficulties accessing well-paid and stable jobs. Moreover, it will promote gender equity and equal opportunities by encouraging the participation of women in roles traditionally dominated by men. This contributes to poverty reduction and the improvement of the quality of life for these communities. Corporate volunteering will provide employees with the opportunity to actively engage in projects that not only promote solidarity and teamwork but also strengthen the commitment to more sustainable mining practices. This program will not be managed by a single department; rather, it will be open to everyone, allowing each employee to become an agent of change and contribute their time and effort to the development of the communities where the company operates. It will be a way to create a positive impact both within and outside the company. Mining, accustomed to operating in complex contexts, has the capacity to strategically contribute to the SDGs. If communities can work with mining companies to identify intersections between the needs of the regions hosting mining operations and the company’s own needs, there may be opportunities for mutual benefit. Communities can access the financial resources, influence and technical expertise of the mining sector to advance important sustainable development priorities that are difficult to finance or execute on their own, while mining companies can mitigate operational and social risks. References Jenkins, H., and Yakovleva, N. (2006). Corporate social responsibility in the mining industry: Exploring trends in social and environmental disclosure. Journal Of Cleaner Production, 14(3–4), 271–284.Escamilla, C. (2024). The Importance of Mining in Modern Society. The University of Arizona, School of Mining and Mineral Resources.Figari, R. (2024). El desafío de la sostenibi- lidad minera. El Comercio Perú.Moreira, S., and McMahon, G. (2014). The contribution of the mining sector to socioeconomic and human development. Open Knowledge Repository.Pietrobelli, C., Marin, A., and Olivari, J. (2018). Innovation in mining value chains: New evidence from Latin America. Resources Policy, 58, 1–10.Gosner, L. R. (2020). Archaeology of Mining. En Springer eBooks (pp. 754–772).Minerals Education Coalition. (2024) Importance of Mining.United Nations Development Programme (s.f.) Objetivos de desarrollo sostenible.Singh, A. P., and Rahman, Z. (2021). Integrating corporate sustainability and sustainable development goals: towards a multi-stakeholder framework. Cogent Business and Management, 8(1).Fraser, J. (2021). Mining Companies and communities: Collaborative approaches to reduce social risk and advance sustainable development. Resources Policy, 74.Mashford, B. (2022). Why We All Need to Care About Mining. Stantec.Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance. (2024). World Mining Data, World Mining Congress.International Institute for Sustainable Development (2024). Sustainable development.National Geographic Spain (2024). National Geographic España.Dlouhá, J., Vávra, J., Pospíšilová, M., and Líšková, Z. D. (2022). Role of Actors in the Processes of Sustainable Development at Local Level—Experiences from the Czech Republic. Frontiers In Sustainability, 3.George, G., Howard-Grenville, J., Joshi, A., and Tihanyi, L. (2016). Understanding and Tackling Societal Grand Challenges through Management Research. Academy of Management Journal, 59(6).United Nations (2024). The 17 Goals | Sustainable development.World Bank. (2024). International Development, Poverty and Sustainability.United Nations. (2024). Peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.BHP. (2024). BHP Foundation.Rio Tinto. (2024) Indigenous Leadership Development Program.Newmont. (2023). Promoting Biodiversity Net Gains in Ghana.United Nations (2024). Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. United Nations Secretary-General. United Nations General Assembly Economic and Social Council.United Nations (2024). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024.

Inclusive mining for sustainable development: Promoting diversity and inclusion through corporate volunteering and the SDGs

Authored by: Mónica Campos, María Fe Campos and José Mujica

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

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To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

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