Australia Case Study: ‘Social License’ Discourse in Mining Reports

An academic review of 146 sustainability reports from major Australian mining firms reveals how companies strategically use the term “social license to operate” (SLO) to frame legitimacy and manage risk. The study finds that while SLO is frequently cited in corporate narratives, it often lacks consistent definition and is rarely linked to concrete community engagement metrics. This selective usage reflects an instrumental approach, prioritizing reputational management over genuine stakeholder dialogue.