This book aims to explore the broad implications of the mining and minerals industry, from social, economic, and sustainable development perspectives, with a view to identifying the most pressing issues, reviewing current best practices, and proposing ways forward. The book is structured in four parts: (1) the role of mining in developed and developing economies; (2) the role of mining in sustainable development; (3) mining and the environment; and (4) mining and society. The final part of the book examines the interplay between mining and society, at both local and national scales. Léa-Marie Bowes-Lyon and co-authors have taken a retrospective view of the socio-economic impacts of mining at two sites in the Canadian High Arctic. The Polaris and Nanisivik lead-zinc mines both operated over similar 20-year time-spans and both closed in 2002. Polaris was located at some distance from the nearest community, Resolute, whereas Nanisivik was located just outside the community of Arctic Bay. Surveys of these mining communities revealed that, while the mines had contributed to increased incomes and other modest benefits for members of these communities while in operation, few of these benefits have persisted since mine closure. As such, this model for mine operations in remote regions has not contributed to sustainable development at the local scale. Recommendations for improved performance in the future include better community consultation and participation, and provision of training in business and technical skills that can be transferable to other economic activities after mining ceases.
Jeremy P. Richards (Ed.). (2009) Mining, Society, and a Sustainable World. Springer-Verlag: Berlin, Heidelberg. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-01103-0