Social acceptance has emerged as a topic of outmost importance for the mining and metals industry. Recently, Luleå University of Technology has been involved in a number of EU-projects aimed at addressing issues related to social acceptance, wider society awareness building and education, as well as exploring the relation between policymaking and mining industry innovations towards more sustainable production. In this respect, the FAME project (funded by the EU through Horizon 2020) has a strong focus on developing processes and technologies towards minimal impact on environment, while at the same time considering health and safety aspects and being socio-politically acceptable.   

This presentation reflects on social acceptance issues, with particular focus on the Nordic and European context. The relevance of good working conditions, community involvement and trust-building as well as consideration for the environment are mentioned as key factors for a successful mining project. The mining industry is constantly working on process and raw material efficiency, water and energy savings, safer and better residue handling as well as remediation and protective actions at end of life. This work needs, however, to be complemented with public information and knowledge sharing both on local and on wider society level.

It is concluded that continuous efforts are needed for promoting social acceptance of the mining industry. On the local level, it is the responsibility of industry to build trust with the surrounding community. On wider society level a combination of stakeholder dialogue meetings and education initiatives are needed in order to generate understanding of the role of the mining and metals industry in society, possibilities and constraints of the circular economy, and other issues related to raw materials. In this respect, multiplier organisations such as NGOs, industry branch organisations and academia play a key role for successful outreach.