Corporate Social Responsibility Index for Mine Sites

Abstract

A new quantitative index to analyse the corporate social responsibility (CSR) level of mine sites was developed, providing an easy and friendly tool to analyse and apply a continuous improvement approach to CSR levels, being able to involve all the potential stakeholders. The index can be used in any type of project and stage: prospecting and exploration, development, mining, processing, closure and rehabilitation. The system consists of two dimensions, environment and socio-economic, formed by 30 elements that analyse potential positive and negative impacts. Moreover, it can be adapted to the specific characteristics of any mining activity, including new elements if necessary. The system proposed can help to improve the positive implications of the mining industry, as well as improving transparency or stakeholder engagement and returns of the mining activity.