Digging Deep Holes

One thing about the mining industry is they're stereotypically known for digging holes - both literally and figuratively.

So my post today will explore the bad name mining industry holds - and why today thing are a little different to what people expect.

Just refresh everyones memories - i'm doing my industry placement at La Mancha a gold mining company in Kalgoorlie.

But to begin - why does the man industry have such a dirty name??

There is no question that environmental issues dominate society’s cultural and political agendas. On a political front, the new found commitment to environmentally green initiatives by governments across the globe spell a challenge for an industry that most of society feels is a major source of environmental destruction and pollution.

Past industry practices that were detrimental to the environment are still highlighted by the anti-mining activists. But, the reality of mining today is quite the opposite. Mining companies must develop decommissioning plans that require the restoration of all lands to their natural state when the operations are finished. It’s law!

Over the past 20 years the industry has made enormous strides at reducing the environmental footprint from their operations.

So why does the industry still have a bad name?

I believe the central problem is the industry has failed to educate the general public, the media and the political decision makers about the mining success stories and the absolute necessity the role of mining plays in the functioning of our world and modern lifestyle. Thus really utilize PR professionals and their skills. Below I’ll outline a couple of success stories:

1. One of positive facet of mining which is often over looked is that mining companies are the largest private sector employer of the indigenous people in Australia. Just over 10 % of La Mancha employees in their Kalgoorlie Mines are Aboriginal.

2. In some regions in Australia, mining corporations almost become substitute governments in the isolated area's they operate in. The social initiatives that they often provide range from educational and medical services to helping build local capacity so small businesses can benefit from the mineral operations.


3. Another example of a success story in the mining industry is Barrick Gold Corporation partnering with World Vision to develop nutrition, education and employment skills programs that will benefit people Peru, where the company’s Lagunas Norte mine is located.

And ….
4. In the African countries that the mining company De Beers operates, the corporation is at the forefront of providing badly needed HIV/AIDS medications, medical services and prevention counselling to staff and their families.

These positive stories are not being told and the mining industry has only itself to blame.

For an industry that is flying on the highest profits in decades, one has to ask why they are not spending more money on public relations initiatives when their social license to operate is routinely being questioned.
If the mining sector wishes to prosper over the next few decades, then they have to do a much better job of communicating with the general public, the media and the political decision makers.

I’m loving my time at La Mancha – and as I’m coming to the second half of the internship I look to delve further into the role PR plays in the mining industry – and how it could be utilized so so much more J

Watch this space!!