The societal impact of mining activities in the vicinity of communities has become an increasingly important topic. To increase the knowledge of the social impact of mining, the panel for Societal Effects Mining (SEM) has started in 2025.
A SEM Strategy document has been formulated to cover a broad range of mining and storage operation and aftercare of extraction and aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of their social impacts.
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A SEM strategy document has been formulated. It seeks to guide and evaluate research through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates technical assessments with the lived experiences, perceptions, and concerns of citizens embedded in a social and historical context.
The objectives of this strategy are to support fair decision-making processes, promote societal well being, and enhance trust in governance structures. This includes establishing fair compensation mechanisms and creating a platform for inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders. The research program should lead to socially robust knowledge (Nowotny, 2003) and is founded on the following core ideas:
• Fairness: Aiming for a just allocation of both the risks and the rewards of mining operations.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring that the voices of affected citizens and communities are heard and integrated into the decision-making process.
• Transparency: Maintaining open channels of communication to build trust and facilitate informed debate about uncertainties and risks.
• Prevention and Readiness: Prioritizing proactive measures in risk management and crisis prevention.