Mining as Sustainable Development: Social License vs. State License

A new academic article explores the tension between state-issued licenses and community acceptance in mining projects, arguing that legal compliance alone is not sufficient to ensure sustainable development. Drawing from global mining case studies, the research emphasizes that without a Social License to Operate (SLO)—built on trust, transparency, and inclusive dialogue—state permits risk being undermined by local resistance, delays, or social unrest. The paper calls for greater alignment between regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure legitimacy and long-term viability.