Environmental engineering and management during mining in the Arctic: Indigenous communities and business cooperation

Abstract

The article discusses the issues of the interaction between indigenous peoples and business in environmental management in the context of the Arctic development. The author analyzes the current legislation on environment management related to the subsoil users and indigenous peoples, gives case-studies of such cooperation during mining. The implementation of corporate social responsibility during the interacting of indigenous peoples and business is considered in the paper, including investments in the development of social infrastructure, education, employment. It also discusses the main objectives of the development of the Arctic territories, which include improving the welfare of the population, solving social and economic problems. The author proves that research on the development of approaches and mechanisms for coordinating interests in traditional lands is relevant, since each stage of the investment project should include a set of tools and methods aimed at the negotiation process, the calculation of damage, monetary compensation, etc. Based on a study of statistical and legal data, the author justifies the need to develop mechanisms for cooperation and partnership between business and indigenous peoples to achieve the goals of sustainable development of the territory.