Societal vs Site-Level Social License in Mining

A recent doctoral dissertation by Pamela Lesser at the University of Lapland proposes a dual-scale framework for analyzing social license to operate (SLO) in mining. The study differentiates between societal-level SLO—shaped by national narratives, public opinion, and media—and site-level SLO, rooted in trust-based relationships with directly affected communities. Lesser argues that companies can enjoy favorable public sentiment yet still face project delays or cancellations if local consent is missing. This framework underscores the need for mining firms to engage both national audiences and on-the-ground stakeholders. Ignoring one level can undermine overall legitimacy. The research highlights why multi-scalar engagement is essential for durable SLO in today’s complex mining landscape.