In the current fast changing world, mining and the energy industry lead in innovation and development of new technology. Nonetheless, due to this aggressive growth, there is a growing need to have ethical and inclusive company activities, especially the way the companies relate to the people that they affect within their areas of operation.
Engagement of communities in mining, including oil, natural gas, coal and others, has ceased to be a box that is checked, it is a strategic requirement that has a potential to create better relationships, sustainability of the long-term, and mutually beneficial relationships between local individuals and companies. In this blog, we are going to consider the role of community engagement in mining and energy industries and how it can be used to open new possibilities of positive, sustainable change.
Companies may eliminate conflict, make sure that the benefits of resource extraction are distributed equally, and avoid community issues by encouraging open communication, honoring the cultural traditions, and supporting the community-led initiatives. So, let us take closer look at community engagement.
What does Community Engagement mean?
Simply put community engagement is communication, consultation as well as general cooperation between the communities who live nearest to places where there are mining sites and the mining corporations like the coal oil and gas etc. industries. It assists mining corporations to identify potential impacts of mining schemes, understand what the community desires and fears and designing solutions to issues. Other specialists recommend avoiding the situations of a large group and focus on the individual.
To understand the various problems of the people likely to be affected more by the location of the mining firm companies can hold face to face discussions with the people to know more. It was found that some parts of focus group programs conducted on tens of people were more applicable as compared to town hall meetings that had hundreds of participants. It is an initiative that can minimize the problems that may arise to people around such a project making it more successful.
The role of effective community involvement in mining in promoting project success
One of the primary benefits of engagement of communities in a mining project is the creation of trust. Mining affects human health and the environment negatively and even the social systems in the areas of mining activities. Businesses are also able to bring some answers to the specific problems that communities have as well as avoid future challenges through education on the concerns of communities.
Since the reputation of mining efforts is horrific in terms of exploiting the anxieties of people, involvement of community can be used to support mining companies to create good name to the company, as well as create good relations with the community, and to increase the success of projects. This will take care of the company in the future not only locally but also worldwide.
Actually, mining as a whole can be beneficial to the society when well handled. Positive outcomes of community engagement include the development of employment to the local people, including economic growth and improvement of infrastructure such as improved roads, power and the internet. Mining companies should not overestimate the benefits since that will ruin the trust that mining companies have attained after a long time trying to win the trust.
Community engagement can also be conducted by involving local communities in decision-making processes. When the people are given open channels of communication and dialogue, the companies can allow individuals the opportunity to share their ideas, experience and knowledge, and influence the outcomes of mining projects. The fact that the locals have an interest in the process will help them work more together in communication.
Moreover, mining initiatives involving the communities can be used to create shared value. There is a concept of so-called shared value, which emphasizes the importance of creating an economic value, as well as focusing on local problems and drawbacks. When communities are properly engaged, they can benefit the companies in several ways, as it promotes the social footprint, which has the beneficial consequences on the general performance of the project.
Coping with the Oil & Gas Industry Social Footprint and Community Positive Impact
Some of the good effects of communal participation in mining include;
Economic Development and employment opportunities
The establishment of jobs and economic security to the localities takes the center stage in the oil and gas sector. Various knowledgeable and non-skilled people may get employed in the exploration, drilling, and extraction business that will boost the economies of the surrounding areas as they receive good earnings.
Infrastructure development
Oil and gas projects often need building facilities, pipelines and other infrastructures. This will improve neighborhood networks and help start an ever-present history to benefit the local citizens and businesses.
Community Investment and philanthropy
Many of the oil and gas companies are keenly engaged in philanthropy and community investment using some of their profits in the region they are operating.
This investment is usually invested in environmental, healthcare and educational services, which have positive bearing on society and is not restricted to geographical boundaries of the industry.
Best Guidelines in Seeking Community Involvement in Mineral Exploration
The mining industry is left behind considering that all industries are currently participating in the undertaking of community engagement programs. In a bid to avert the failure of the project and guard against the community concerns, the mineral experts are now employing the community engagement campaigns. The following are the best practices to be used in the quest to implement community engagement in mineral exploration.
- Reputation of Mining Sector: The reputation of the industry has over the times suffered due to various reasons.
- The Co-operation with Local Communities is needed: The development of active relations with the local communities is crucial in terms of improving its image and creating long term values.
- Building alliances to encourage trust: Authentic partnerships encourage trust and position the sector to be successful in future.
- Embracing New Technologies: The new technologies can make operations more sustainable, have a small carbon footprint, and raise safety levels.
- Sharing Knowledge and Diversity: Communication with people who live in another place and have various backgrounds allow sharing the best practices and important knowledge.
- Universal Sharing of Information: This dialogue can lead to productive innovations that can be of benefit to the industry and people it involves.
- Change: By stressing collaboration and embracing change, the mining sector can enhance their image and develop a positive impact in society.
These are the few best activities that the mining sector has been identified to undertake in the quest to engage the community. The heightened interaction with the community in this sector will make more economic gains since it attracts an increased financial profit.
Wrapping Up
The mining and energy industry is dependent on an efficient community engagement process to support shared value building, local challenges, and trust generation. To make sure that many people benefit out of the resource extraction, companies have to engage in open communication and respect the local cultures.
This will not only accrue more success in projects undertaken but also enhance the local economy due to creation of employment opportunities, construction infrastructure as well as community participation. After all, strong community relationships will unlock a win-win situation and sustainability.
