Abstract:
Mining companies are responding to increasing pressure
to conduct their operations responsibly by implementing
corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in their host
communities. However, it has been argued that few of
these projects result in sustainable outcomes. Stakeholder
engagement should be inclusive to ensure CSR project
sustainability. The purpose of this multiple-case study was
to explore stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainable
CSR outcomes in the South African mining industry. Data was
collected through semi-structured interviews with community
development specialists from three South African mining
companies. It was found that mining companies implement
CSR projects intending to achieve economic, social and
environmental sustainability within their host communities.
Stakeholders are actively engaged in project planning as
their involvement in decision-making is critical for sustainable
projects through obtaining stakeholder buy-in, collaboration
and involvement. The study recommends that management
balances diverse stakeholder expectations and educate
stakeholders on corporate mining issues. Theoretically the study adds to the understanding of stakeholder engagement
for sustainable CSR outcomes in the South African
mining industry.
