Title: Social License to Operate: Integration into Mine Planning and Development
Author/Institution: Jacqueline Laura Nelsen – PhD Thesis, University of British Columbia Publication Year: 2006
Community Consent and Corporate Strategy
This doctoral thesis provides one of the earliest in- depth academic treatments of the concept of the social license to operate (SLO) in the mining industry. Nelsen explores how mining companies must go beyond regulatory compliance and embed community expectations into project design and decision-making. She argues that the social license is dynamic—based on trust, legitimacy, and credibility—and can only be sustained through continuous engagement with affected communities. The work situates SLO as a strategic necessity rather than a voluntary add-on.
Methodological Approach and Case Studies
Drawing on case studies of mining projects in Latin America and Canada, the research combines qualitative fieldwork with a review of corporate policies and community responses. Nelsen analyzes how power asymmetries, historical grievances, and perceptions of fairness influence whether communities grant or withdraw their social license. Particular emphasis is placed on the planning stage of mining projects, where early missteps in consultation often sow the seeds of long-term conflict. The thesis highlights that integrating SLO into planning frameworks reduces operational risks and enhances project resilience.
Implications for Mining Governance
The thesis underscores that the social license is neither static nor guaranteed, and its absence can translate into costly delays, protests, or outright project cancellations. Nelsen’s findings suggest that mining governance must evolve to recognize communities as de facto regulators alongside the state. For policymakers and industry actors, the thesis offers a roadmap for embedding social dimensions into technical planning, linking corporate strategy with community legitimacy. The work has since influenced both academic debates and corporate practice on responsible mining.