ABSTRACT
Mining has natural synergies with achieving SDG 11: “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, by producing the raw materials used in construction and for the energy transition to cleaner power generation, by creation of jobs, invigorating local and regional economies where projects and operations are located, and paying taxes and royalties that enable governments to fund social development programs. The mining companies´ stakeholder engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Socio-Economic Development programs can also contribute to SDG 11, as directly or indirectly these programs seek to encourage community’s social organization and participation processes; to meet their basic needs and to improve the quality of life of the communities in the mining operation area of influence.
Mining also poses risks to cities and human settlements’ safety, resilience and sustainability, as it takes place in high population, politically weak, powerless communities, and could affect their access to land, the sustainability of their livelihoods, and create tension and conflict, among other adverse impacts.
Even though mining companies make efforts through their social programs to contribute to SDG 11 and avoid or mitigate the risks their operations possess to SDG 11, the generalized approach to these programs and the current business model presents challenges to their long-term effects on communities and cities safety, resilience and sustainability.
This chapter analyses the contribution and risks or negative impacts of mining to SDG 11 and proposes a way forward for mining companies to become catalysts of sustainable regional development that makes communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
