Understanding grand challenges in sustainability implementation within mining in developing countries

Purpose First, this paper aims to define and interpret the social and environmental strands of sustainability, and analyse its implementation within the mining sectors of developed and developing countries. Second, we elaborate on stakeholder and institutional theoretical perspectives to propose a framework for sustainability implementation. Finally, we draw attention to the shortcomings in sustainability implementation within the mining industry in developing countries and stress a cross-sectoral approach to defining sustainable categories. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a conceptual foundation for effective sustainability implementation by discussing the interconnectivity and the reciprocal interactions between impact indicators and sustainable categories including climatic condition, terrestrial parameters, national regulations, and international mining standards. Findings Research results suggest that mining activities have created tensions between host communities and companies due to the finitude of the resources and the associated environmental and social challenges in developing countries. About 75% of mines close prematurely, leaving legacies of environmental and social costs in mining communities despite companies embracing sustainability practices. However, the authors provide promising evidence for the possibility of employing a cross-sectoral approach in sustainability implementation using holistic frameworks. Limitations The proposed cross-sectoral model presented here is only a starting point for further research in developing robust indicators and procedures for the approach. A consolidation of efforts by other researchers working on establishing holistic indicators for sustainability implementation may lead to a much more detailed and robust model. Implications This paper may improve sustainability reporting and practices of companies, relating to how an impact on a social or environmental category cascades down the entire mining industry, requiring a holistic assessment model and framework. Contribution The paper proposes a cross-sectoral model and suggests a framework which extends the boundaries of stakeholder and institutional theories and demonstrates how they combine in defining sustainable categories.