Sustainable development in the mining industry: towards the development of tools for evaluating socioeconomic impact in the Canadian context

Abstract

In spite of its economic outputs, the Canadian mining sector has suffered from several setbacks that have compromised its reputation. This has led many of its stakeholders to adopt a shift towards a new paradigm focused on sustainable development.In this review of the literature, we identify the impact that mining activities have had on various social, economic and environmental issues in Canadian society. We also survey the criteria and indicators included in various models that may be used to evaluate the adequacy of the transition of mines towards sustainable development. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of eight tools that have been applied to the socioeconomic impact of mines are analysed.A clear vision of prospects for promoting sustainable development in Canadian mining emerges from this survey. Our analysis reveals important factors that not given adequate consideration in the models used currently to evaluate and suggests opportunities to improve these evaluation tools through identification of more relevant criteria and indicators.The research undertaken should incite stakeholders to develop social and economic impact evaluation tools that are better adapted to the Canadian context.

Multi-criteria evaluation of the socioeconomic impact of mining in Canada from a sustainable development perspective: a theoretical model

“…The three steps are outlined in Figure 2. The results of the review of the literature are described in detail in a previous article (Gueye and al. 2020).…”

“…The social and economic impact of mining, as identified in the review of the literature, is multiple and specific to each mine. This study was therefore limited to mines in Canada, to make the impact and the elements associated with its evaluation easier to identify and to determine their relevance by comparing them with criteria and indicators of sustainability drawn from scientific articles and terms of reference (Gueye and al. 2020).…”

“…The criteria and indicators of sustainable development used on an international scale are numerous. Among those found in guides and terms of reference, a family corresponding to social and economic impact factors relevant to the Quebec mining industry can be identified (Gueye and al. 2020).…”

“…The methodological approach adopted is based on a previous study (Yu and al. 2005) for reasons explained elsewhere (Gueye and al. 2020).…”

“…This article reports the findings of a research project divided into two parts. In part one (Gueye and al. 2020), aspects of the social and economic impact of mining in Quebec as well as criteria and indicators relevant to the evaluation of its transition towards sustainable development were identified.…”