Implementation of international standards for Social Impact Assessments in the Swedish context

Important results from the project

The study found that all mining companies interviewed have a need to develop their work on social sustainability and that it is a priority area, but that there is a lack of eligibility requirements and clear guidance on how to work with these issues. The study identified a number of areas of particular interest for developed support to the companies: social impact assessments, stakeholder engagement and issues concerning Indigenous Peoples.

Expected long term effects

The study shows that international standards go beyond national requirements in areas such as social impact assessments, dialogues with local communities and Indigenous Peoples. For example there are no legal requirements for systematic work with Indigenous Peoples, although it is often required to meet Good International Industry Practice. Increased use of standards could therefor strengthen social sustainability, improve dialogues and make it easier to meet investors´ requirements.

Approach and implementation

The study included the following: international outlook, gap analysis and needs analysis. The needs analysis showed very limited experience among Swedish companies of working with the standards, which prompted a decision to revise the plan to already prepare, within the feasibility study, a detailed project plan for a further development project. Continued dialogues are planned during the autumn to mobilize and disseminate knowledge about the potential of the international standards.