Mineral Exploration

A new look: The Spring 2006 issue of Mineral Exploration, the first under the magazine's new name, had two articles focused on research into corporate social responsibility issues by UBC mining engineering women graduate students. Photographs : AME BC S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 17 adopted a more proactive role to prepare the industry for a new century, not just at home but also abroad. The change in mindset was reflected in a 2002 article in Mining Review entitled, "Two Cultures of Sustainable Development." Authors Susan Joyce and Ian Thomson called for a "new rela- tionship between mining and society" because "in many coun- tries, mining is no longer considered socially acceptable." The industry dilemma, they noted, "is how to balance environmen- tal and social initiatives and become socially acceptable in both worlds: the developed world where there are head offices with shareholders and financial institutions looking on, and the devel- oping world where, increasingly, mines and exploration projects are located." Subsequent issues of Mining Review continued to reflect a progressive and proactive approach to CSR issues, including Aboriginal engagement. "Without local community support, your project is going nowhere," Mining Review warned in the summer of 2003. A change of government soon improved B.C.'s investment cli- mate, reflected by exploration spending of $220 million in 2005. The "Chamber" became AME BC that year, and in 2006 Mining Review was rebranded Mineral Exploration. Another milestone was the release in 2005 of the original Aboriginal and Community Engagement Guidebook, supported by 32 First Nations, the B.C. and federal governments, and more than 30 organizations. AME BC has contributed to other CSR initiatives, including the Environmental Excellence in Exploration (e3) initiative of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, and has been an intervener in court cases related to mine permitting. Most recently, in May 2015, AME BC released a revised edition of its Aboriginal Engagement Guidebook. The CSR committee is focused on sharing information about cost-effective ways that companies can use CSR to add value to their properties – a vital role given the present downturn (see article on page 33). Together, Mining Review and Mineral Exploration have chron- icled the evolution of CSR for 35 years, with the tone of reporting also evolving over time. Environmental and social issues are no longer "problems"; they're opportunities to gain social acceptance. And through editorials and guest columns, AME BC and industry leaders continue to reinforce the message that CSR is essential for the survival of a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible mineral exploration and development industry. ■

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