Large mining companies such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Vale are spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year on social performance initiatives. Although this is evidence of an increasing interest in social performance, the current initiatives are often criticised for being disengaged, focusing on monetary inputs instead of the value of outcomes.

This issue could be addressed in the context of a professional services firm, capitalising on existing tools and capabilities to facilitate their client’s management of social projects to optimise the value of their investment.

The firm would be engaged for the lifecycle of the project. Initially hosting a ‘kick off’ event, bringing together representatives from clients, NGOs, research institutes and community groups to brainstorm valuable problems and to define desired outcomes and boundary conditions of each group.
Once valuable projects are identified and agreed upon, the firm would act as a ‘behind the scenes’ facilitator. Customising existing strategic project management tools to focus on social performance outcomes would enable the firm to provide clients with valuable guidance on the progress of their social investment. The technological and reporting capabilities of a professional services firm would be a powerful tool, clearly articulating the outcomes of the social investments (both societal and the resultant improved financial performance).

This proposal suggests that such an offering would facilitate company’s (particularly mining companies) management of social projects to optimise the value of their investment.

Do you think that this is a valuable project and that it could be implemented in countries such as Australia or Canada for example?

Hey, Thanks for your post, it seems that you know what are you doing. I’ll be looking forward for next article of yours….

We may as well go and explored in third world countries rather than wait for McGuinty to establish one in Ontario. Ontario will never be open for business until McGuinty is tossed out of office. The sooner the better.

I am writing in response to this blog post, “The Horrible Reputation of Canada’s Mining Sector.” I agree that as the mineral exploration sector gains visibility, it also shoulders greater responsibility. However, I find your allegation that the Prospector and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is complacent in defending the industry to be egregious.

The PDAC continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring a robust minerals industry by encouraging the highest standards of technical, environmental, safety and social practices at home and abroad. As a result of the PDAC’s public and political advocacy efforts, and the good work of our members, the majority of Canadian exploration companies are viewed as progressive, socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizens.

Our public relations and advocacy work has expanded tremendously in recent years. In fact, PDAC is continually asked to provide thought leadership, counsel and expertise to various levels of government in Canada. In the past two years alone, the PDAC has represented our members at more than 200 events nationally and internationally to discuss the good work being done in the industry. PDAC Mining Matters has helped to educate more than 400,000 students, educators and industry members on Canada’s geology and mineral resources since it was established in 1994.

As a national industry association, we have worked hard to establish and maintain a good reputation among federal, provincial and territorial decision makers as a credible and informed voice for the mineral exploration and development industry. While our focus is on federal issues (for instance, the origin and continuation of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, increased public geoscience investment and regulatory improvement), we also work closely with our sister associations across Canada in developing submissions in support of our members on land use policies and working to resolve complex matters such as consultation and permitting requirements.

Admittedly, we don’t always do enough to remind people of what we’re working on, but much of this is available in our electronic and printed publications. If you had contacted us prior to writing your piece, reviewed our website, or asked a question at our tradeshow booth, we could have, for example, told you about our role in working with the Ontario Prospectors Association, Ontario Mining Association, First Nations and others to assess and raise concerns about the impact of the Ontario Far North planning initiative. We have been consistent and principled on this and on similar issues in other provinces.

On the federal scene, the PDAC was instrumental in leading the successful campaign in opposition to Bill C-300, an onerous and unworkable private member’s bill that had the potential to significantly encumber our industry. Internationally, the PDAC is at the forefront of corporate social responsibility (CSR) good practices, with our e3 Plus: A Framework for Responsible Exploration, a program that is being adopted by a growing list of members and that is setting an international standard for responsible exploration.
Looking to the next generation of explorationists, our focus also extends to addressing the labour shortage challenges faced by our industry. The PDAC works closely with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), an organization that is doing outstanding work to attract individuals to careers in Canada’s mineral exploration industry. In fact, PDAC partnered with MiHR on the study “Unearthing Possibilities” that you reference in your post, and more detailed information about our work with MiHR appeared in your blog in April of this year. Currently, geology and engineering programs at all of Canada’s universities are at full capacity, and our outreach and engagement with Aboriginal peoples in particular has resulted in recruitment and meaningful employment for many men and women in regions across the country.

This Aboriginal engagement also supports the efforts of our Aboriginal Affairs committee (formed in 2004) which, through its advocacy efforts, has successfully promoted greater understanding and cooperation between Aboriginal communities and the mineral exploration industry in Canada that can be traced to more than 200 agreements currently in place between the mineral exploration industry and communities. You will recall the significant media attention given to the March 2008 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Assembly of First Nations National Chief and the PDAC. What you may not see is the ongoing relationship that this MOU has generated in the form of mutual understanding and progress, while demonstrating that the signing you attended is both a proud legacy and a future challenge. You may say our industry has a “horrible reputation” —tell this to the signatories and witnesses of that MOU.

Stan, as you are aware, the PDAC is in a period of renewal. We have recently added three new members to our communications team and are in the process of developing and implementing a comprehensive communications and public relations plan to support the strategic objectives of the association. We are focused on ensuring that the PDAC is considered a strong and credible voice for the mineral exploration industry, and we are committed to ongoing communication and advocacy to showcase Canada’s progressive and socially responsible mineral exploration industry.

With the assistance of our members and volunteers, we gauge the significance of many public policy issues and then work with our partners to find solutions. Government decisions will vary and specific measures will either encourage or discourage investment in our sector and others. However, if mineral exploration spending and new business development in Canada can be considered a barometer of success, then our industry is contributing greatly to community sustainability and the country’s future. Telling this exciting story is a role of the PDAC, and we need to do more. The story is also one to be told by volunteers, members, sister associations, elected officials and by everyone who benefits from a vibrant mineral exploration and mining industry.

If you would like to discuss the PDAC’s plans further, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Regards,
Ross Gallinger
Executive Director
Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada

- Second Take: SA’s 100-year mining horizon – video (http://www.miningweekly.com/article/second-take-sas-100-year-mining-horizon-2011-10-14)

- West African gold pipeline, 2011: West African gold production expected to increase again in 2011. (report for purchase)
In 2010, gold production in West Africa was up 5.6% from 2009. Production was reported by nine of the 16 West African countries—Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Senegal. West African gold production has grown in tandem with gold prices since 2005. (http://www.metalseconomics.com/online-store/western-africa-gold-pipeline-2011)

Charles Nyabeze
http://www.nyabeze.com
Ring of Fire