Title: Critical Review of Criteria for Social License to Operate
Author/Institution: Daria Egoshina – Master’s Thesis, Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria) Publication Year: 2024
Conceptual Framework and Evaluation
This thesis provides a systematic review of the diverse criteria used to define and evaluate the social license to operate (SLO) in the extractive industries. Egoshina highlights that while SLO is widely invoked by companies, policymakers, and communities, there is little consensus on the specific conditions under which it is granted, maintained, or withdrawn. The research consolidates theoretical perspectives and practical frameworks, identifying legitimacy, credibility, and trust as the three fundamental pillars shaping SLO.
Methodological Approach and Findings
Employing a qualitative research design, the study analyzes peer-reviewed literature, industry reports, and case examples from mining projects in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Egoshina demonstrates that SLO is context-specific, and that the same project can be perceived as legitimate by some stakeholders and unacceptable by others depending on local governance structures, history of conflict, and cultural expectations. The review also critiques the tendency
of companies to adopt “checklist” approaches that oversimplify complex social dynamics.
Implications for Industry and Policy
The thesis concludes that for SLO to be a meaningful governance tool, clearer metrics and participatory evaluation mechanisms are required. Egoshina proposes a framework that integrates both community-based indicators and company accountability mechanisms, bridging the gap between academic theory and operational practice. For mining companies, the thesis underscores that genuine dialogue and adaptive management are indispensable. For governments and regulators, it calls for embedding SLO criteria into environmental and social licensing procedures to reduce conflict and improve accountability.