The Future

Sustainable development requires the integration of social, economic and environmental factors while dealing with the time dimension of inter-generational equity. Applying sustainable development is not easy for any industry, but it seems more complex for industries that deal with non-renewable resources. This is due to the fact that these industries, such as mining, develop a non-renewable resource and then move on. The question then becomes what was left behind.

Integrating the social dimension of sustainable development and inter-generational equity with economic and environmental considerations within the context of sustainable development requires an understanding of the social impacts, risks and opportunities of a development. Although much is known of the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, governments, industry and civil society are just beginning to grapple with the social dimension. In large part, the present response to the social dimension of sustainable development is reactive. It is driven by social concerns and issues put forward by individuals, communities and non-governmental organizations.

As these social concerns are articulated, it is becoming possible to see the social dimension as a whole – a distinct, vital and integrated component of sustainable development. It is formed of many elements, all of which are connected to each other and to economic and environmental components. It is not a black hole, but a series of concerns and issues that deal with how development affects individuals, families and communities.

Social concerns are in part based on perceptions of the mining industry and its possible impacts, and require dealing with competing visions of the present and the future. Consultations and conflict resolution become essential parts of understanding the social fabric and dealing with the benefits and impacts of mining developments. It also requires understanding the vision of the future of various communities and individuals and integrating these visions into a workable present with a sustainable future.

Addressing the social dimension presents risks and opportunities for industry, individuals, families, communities and other stakeholders. Understanding and measuring the risks and maximizing the opportunities become methods by which society can deal with the social dimension. The development of specific tools is just beginning and will evolve as the social dimension becomes better understood. Measuring and reporting on progress remain a target for future activities.

For the mining industry, sustainable development does not only mean integrating the three dimensions into a mine plan. It also entails looking to the future and how a region will fare once the mine closes. It involves helping the people and communities ensure that the development brought by the presence of the mine does not completely disappear when the mine closes. It means ensuring that a mine means a bright future for people, communities and regions.

For governments (federal, provincial and municipal), sustainable development means ensuring a better quality of life for people, now and in the future. It means dealing with inter-generational equity and defining the issues that will affect not only the social fabric of today, but that of tomorrow as well. The social issue of sustainable development is time-dependent required policy that looks at the future.

The level of intervention of governments in activities related to the social dimension of sustainable development remains an unanswered question. Should policy be developed to promote activities that enhance social opportunities? If so, what would be the elements of such a policy?

As a final note, although this document has dealt exclusively with the mining industry and the extraction process, it is recognized that the social dimension of sustainable development as it relates to minerals and metals extends well beyond this. The development of products from minerals and metals, their use and longevity, and their final disposition, whether as waste or in recycling, are also important components of sustainable development that will require further study.