Environmental and Social Conflict Resolution in the Resources Sector

Summary
The extractive industry has the potential to significantly transform environments, communities and economies. At times, such transformation may manifest in conflicts or disputes between a resource developer and local communities, or even complete breakdown of the company’s social licence to operate—with associated costs for the company, local communities, and the broader public.

This three-part course draws on the extensive experience of the instructors in studying environmental and social conflicts as well as working as practitioners in the development sector:

an understanding of the costs of conflict in the resource industry;
processes and mechanisms by which communities can make their concerns heard and which companies can draw on to work with communities to negotiate and resolve conflict; and
the causes and consequences of environmental conflicts in the research sector, and the process of using ecological factors to promote peace.

Who Should Attend?
The course is aimed at all extractive industry managers and practitioners who engage with local communities and other external stakeholders. It may be of particular relevance for community relations/social performance and environment staff and legal and compliance officers. Staff from technical professions who are seeking to build their knowledge about the social aspects of mining are also welcome.