Mountain Movers ─ Mining, Sustainability and the Agents of Change

This book explores the dynamics of change-making for sustainable development in the resources sector, specifically the mining of mineral and energy resources. The author recounts the stories and insights of over forty change-makers both inside and outside the industry, from anti-mining activists to the professionals charged with the task of reform, introducing the people who are moving an industry that moves mountains. The book takes stock of what has worked and what has not, analyzing the relative influence and dynamics of the key corporate, civil society and government actors with a view to developing new approaches for improving environmental and social outcomes from mineral and energy development.

Illustrated with case studies from Angola, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guinea, Peru, The Philippines, Romania, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and The United States of America, and brimming with the backstories to the major sustainability initiatives, Mountain Movers reveals where progress has been made and where reform is still needed towards a more sustainable and equitable mining industry.

Daniel Franks is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Responsibility of Mining at the University of Queensland, Australia, and serves as Co-Chair for Social Impact Assessment at the International Association for Impact Assessment. He also has a visiting teaching role at the Earth Institute, Columbia University, USA, and adjunct positions at Universidad Catolica del Norte, Chile, and the University of Eastern Finland.