Mining in Peru serves as a compelling real-world laboratory for understanding social license to operate (SLO). Saenz and Ostos conducted qualitative case studies of two Peruvian mining operations, augmented by interviews with community stakeholders, company representatives, and local officials. The research illuminated how water usage and environmental management, particularly in regions where water scarcity overlaps with industrial activity—are among the most sensitive flashpoints for conflict. Collaborative water stewardship agreements emerged as critical tools for building local legitimacy, demonstrating that shared governance of essential resources is a cornerstone of long-term SLO success.
A key insight from the study is that strategic CSR and stakeholder engagement must be tailored to permit risk management and conflict avoidance. Operations that aligned their CSR strategies with local expectations—by investing in shared infrastructure, transparent water-use plans, and ongoing communication—were able to earn sustained trust and avoid disruptions. In contrast, mining sites that relied on ad hoc community programs or exhibited inconsistency in promise fulfillment experienced greater mistrust and instability. The comparative framework showed that proactive, context-sensitive design across environmental, economic, and social domains is essential to secure stakeholder confidence.
For mining companies and policymakers, the implications are clear: social license is not a luxury, it is a strategic asset. The case studies highlight that legitimacy depends less on legal permits and more on whether companies engage as long-term partners in managing shared challenges. Practical measures—such as community grievance systems, joint environmental oversight, and equitable benefit distribution—are not peripheral add-ons but integral to operational resilience. In a world where community uprisings can halt multimillion-dollar projects, the Peruvian experience offers a pragmatic roadmap: social license must be earned through sustained, trust-based relationships and demonstrated citizenship.