SDG Adherence of Social Performance Indicators Used by Brazilian Mining, and Oil and Gas Extraction Companies

Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether the social performance indicators used by mining companies participating in the BM & FBOVESPA Corporate Sustainability Index (indice de sustentabilidade empresarial [ISE]) during 2005–2021 were aligned with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Content analysis was conducted after collecting key information from voluntary sustainability reports presented by the companies. The results uncovered 423 social indicators and revealed repeated discontinuity and large time gaps of as many as 6 years in the disclosure of sustainability information. Among the SDGs investigated, the most discussed were (in order): SDGs 4, 3, 5, 1, 10, and 2. Thus, it is recommended that even though SDGs have been implemented since 2015, the desired social impact can be created only when companies in the mining and extraction sectors make a formal commitment to continuously disseminate sustainability reports and work equitably on SDG goals.