Corporate responsibility and the social risk of new mining technologies

Abstract

Abstract Advances in computing, robotics, artificial intelligence, communications, materials, and interactive technologies are disrupting the business–society interface in almost all sectors. The mining industry is projecting an overwhelmingly positive narrative about the new technologies it is investing in and is eager to promote their economic benefits. What is lacking, however, is discussion about how these technologies will be experienced by those most immediately impacted by mining: local communities. Mine–community relations are notoriously complex, and it is likely that incorporating new technologies into operations will further complicate this interface. At a minimum, responsible companies must understand the social impacts of new technologies and provide assurance that the use of these technologies will not put host communities at risk. We argue that due diligence is central to ensuring that downside social risks of new technologies are identified, understood, and managed.