Author: Walden University Dissertation | Scope: Peru
This doctoral dissertation focuses on practical strategies that mining professionals in Peru have employed to gain and maintain a social license to operate (SLO). Based on interviews with company representatives and community stakeholders, the study identifies several recurring best practices: stakeholder mapping, early and inclusive dialogue, ongoing grievance mechanisms, and capacity-building programs in education, health, and local governance. The dissertation argues that trust and transparency must be actively cultivated through consistent action, not just corporate messaging.
One of the core findings is that long-term SLO cannot be sustained through short-term philanthropic activities. Instead, the research recommends embedding social management into the operational and financial planning of mining projects. It also highlights the value of co-creating development plans with community leaders and tailoring engagement to local customs and decision-making norms. Importantly, the study emphasizes the need for companies to remain responsive over time, especially during moments of political change or environmental stress that may affect community expectations.
This work directly echoes the dynamics seen in Peru’s July 2025 mining protests and truce negotiations. The blockade of copper transport routes revealed how communities can withdraw their tacit approval if they feel ignored or excluded from policy shifts—such as the restructuring of formalization programs. The dissertation’s focus on continuous, co-managed relationships offers a concrete framework to interpret why shortfalls in inclusive planning can disrupt operations, regardless of compliance with legal frameworks or investment scale.