ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how peace-focused thinking already exists in the natural resources industries. It makes the case that because peace is a part of the conversation between communities affected by natural resources industries and local-level operations, there are benefits for all stakeholders when businesses name the use of peace frameworks. The chapter suggests that the discussion of business and peace to include mining alongside the timber industry, hydro-geological projects and other large-footprint, natural resources-based industries. It addresses two aspects of 'conflict' needing clarification. First are conflicts that result from one or more forms of violence, where the paradigm of positive peace has the potential to make the biggest contribution. Secondly, the literature suggests that natural resources—in and of themselves—do not directly cause conflict. The chapter discusses natural resources companies, just as much as other businesses, have a meaningful role to play in supporting and contributing to conditions of peace in their operating environments.
