Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The global demand for natural resources poses challenges not only to local communities in extraction zones, but also to a wider set of actors and their sustainability aspirations. This is certainly the case in Chile, where mining is generating pivotal, multifaceted, and complex sustainability challenges. In this study we focus on the origin, proliferation, and emerging options to deal with mining-related conflicts in the Choapa Province, Chile. In an effort to quell conflicts with local communities over water pollution among other mining impacts, the mining company AMSA has instigated broad CSR programs, which have come to play an increasing role in the development of the province, arguably even substituting the role of the state in some instances. Our results show a variety of different perceptions from local stakeholders regarding the Los Pelambres mine ranging from resigned acceptance to openly hostile opposition. Recently, there has been a shift in the company’s CSR policy from negotiating individually with diverse persons and organizations to directing more of its CSR programs to more collective goals. This has in some cases implied a private:public partnership approach with co-financing from municipalities and different government agencies. The policy change was stimulated, at least in part, as a reaction to a deep and protracted conflict over a tailing dam. In response, in an effort to improve its relationships with communities most affected by mining operations, AMSA has also initiated dialogue, with the ambition of securing a social licence to legitimise its operations in the province.