Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Factors that have promoted the globalization of mining include vast improvement in communications technologies that led to broad and immediate availability of geological maps and interpretations, finding and engaging expert contractors, locating and renting specialized equipment, maintaining constant communication between head office and field projects, arranging for financing, reacting to commodity price fluctuations, and others. At the same time, it allowed Civil Society Organizations (to focus the spotlight of public opinion on questionable practices. In global financing, globalization allows investors to be immediately aware of opportunities, risks, and relative merits of potential mining projects worldwide. It facilitates the concentration of mining investment in the London and Toronto stock exchanges. Most international prospecting and exploration conferences now include an “investors’ exchange” where hundreds of junior companies market their mineral prospects to potential investors. Over the past few years, the industry has seen a number of mergers and acquisitions that have concentrated financial power in companies with worldwide operations. With respect to organizations as a manifestation of globality, two types of global organizations strongly influence the mining industry: First, international governance organizations and second, Civil Society Organizations. Social and environmental approaches and methodology, and their implementation, result from the dynamic interplay between these types of organizations and the industry. Miners are now “playing in a global sandbox”: the metals and minerals they produce are part of global supply chains. Exploration and production are taking place in ever more remote corners of the globe. Globality has definitely manifested itself in mining production. The mining industry embraced the global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ‘movement’ that has been gaining momentum at an astounding pace over the past two decades and it has resulted in a plethora of voluntary codes with global application. This paper will use the sociological theory of symbolic interactionism and its concepts meanings, interactional needs, relationships and reference communities to explain this phenomenon and discuss where it may lead.