Stakeholder collaboration key to successful transition toward non-mining economies

Based on past experiences with industrial transitions, Svobodova published a paper in Nature Energy where she argues that, in practice, governments struggle to truly engage mining communities in both legislation and action. Even the more successful transitions have failed to follow the principles of open and just participation or invest enough time in the process.

To better deal with the closure, she suggests that early discussions about how the future will look like help to build trust and relationships with communities. A combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches engages people at all levels. This ensures that the local context is understood and targeted specifically. It also establishes networks for collaboration during the transition. Effective coordination of investments toward mining communities, including funding to implement measures to support workers, seed new industries, support innovations, and enhance essential services in urban centers have proven to be successful in the past.

“To ensure energy security, it’s essential for governments to recognize the profound transformation that residents of mining communities experience when they shift away from mining,” Svobodova said in a media statement. “Neglecting these communities, their inherent strength of mining identity and unity could lead to social and economic instability, potentially affecting the overall national energy infrastructure.”

The researcher acknowledges that moving toward closure and consequently away from mining is not an easy or short journey.

“It is essential that governments recognize that the transition takes time, and persistence is essential for success,” Svobodova said. “They should openly communicate their strategies, ensuring communities and other stakeholders are well-informed and engaged. Building trust and providing guidance helps residents navigate the uncertainties associated with transitions. By embracing the three-step approach that centers around stakeholder engagement, governments can prioritize equitable and just outcomes when navigating mining transitions as part of their energy security strategies.”