‘We are searching for gold’: Exploration companies, corporate social responsibility and the ‘realities’ of mineral exploration in Ghana

Mineral exploration is the lifeblood of the global mining industry. Exploration companies locate rich mineral deposits to kickstart the mining process. Given the pivotal role of these companies in the mining value chain, their actions can have implications on the trajectory of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the mining industry. While several assessments of CSR at the production stage of mining now exist, comparatively fewer analyses have taken stock of its dynamics during mineral exploration. This paper examines challenges in ‘operationalising’ CSR during the early stages of mining projects. Drawing on insights from Ghana's Eastern Region obtained through extensive qualitative research that included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations, the paper highlights the crucial challenges that face mineral exploration companies in embracing CSR during the exploration phase of mining projects. Findings reveal limited attention to social and environmental issues by exploration companies. Besides, frequent mergers and acquisitions that occur in the exploration space and lack of inclusive decision-making pose significant challenges to CSR during exploration projects. The paper recommends reforms in mineral development policies and regulations in Ghana to accentuate CSR at the exploration phase of projects through transparent and inclusive governance structures at the local level. • The global mining industry has profoundly embraced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). • In sub-Saharan Africa, operationalising CSR can be challenging to junior exploration companies. • These challenges are apparent in Ghana, one of the largest gold mining economies in sub-Saharan Africa. • Reforms in mineral development policies can address CSR issues during the exploration phase of mining projects.