A social license to operate: pre-mining effects and activities perspective

Abstract This research proposes a new approach to recommend a responsible mining guideline on how to secure a social license to operate in Ondo state, Nigeria for oil sands mineral resources taking into account the bituminous natural effects. This is the case of bituminous oil sands in Southern Nigeria, where warm weather can induce the emission of natural bitumen fumes. Because this emission may bring occupational exposure to the local communities, mining is perceived to be an opportunity for both social-economic improvement but also an efficient approach to reduce exposure to bitumen fumes. The study investigates the importance of the perception of the society about responsible mining practices in establishing a social license for a mining operation. The results of the investigation include an appraisal of the social status, living conditions of the communities, effects of pre-mining activities and the natural impacts of bitumen from oil sand on the community. The conclusions are that the bituminous natural effects on the communities can facilitate the approval of SLO, if the company can fulfil its promises, as mining is perceived to be a welcome solution to the problems posed. In addition, the mining company must also be transparent with the community as this changes the perception of society about responsible mining practices and help in establishing SLO.

摘要 本研究提出一种全新方法，用以针对尼日利亚翁多州的油砂矿产资源制定负责任采矿指南，以保障矿业运营社会许可（Social License to Operate，SLO），同时考量沥青质的自然环境影响。本研究聚焦尼日利亚南部的沥青质油砂矿案例：当地温暖气候会催生天然沥青烟气的排放。由于此类排放可能对当地社区造成职业暴露风险，矿业开采既被视为推动社会经济发展的契机，同时也是降低沥青烟气暴露风险的有效手段。本研究探讨了社会对负责任采矿实践的认知，在为采矿运营争取社会许可过程中的重要性。本次调查的评估结果涵盖社区社会地位、生活状况、采矿前期活动的影响，以及油砂沥青对社区造成的自然环境影响。研究结论表明：若矿业企业能够兑现承诺，沥青质带来的自然环境影响反而有助于推动社会运营许可的获批——鉴于当地社区将采矿视为解决现存问题的良策。此外，矿业企业还需向社区保持信息透明，此举能够改善社会对负责任采矿实践的认知，助力社会运营许可的获批。