Building trust in the future of mining in Europe
By Vasileios Psomiadis, Datalab (AUTH)
The future of mining in Europe hinges not only on technological advancements and regulations but also on trust and collaboration. Research conducted by Data and Web Science Lab (Datalab) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) highlights a critical challenge: while the economic benefits of mining are widely recognised, environmental and societal concerns dominate public perception, leading to fractured trust in the industry.
As the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive pave the way for greater sustainability and accountability, the mining sector must place an even stronger emphasis on:
Openness and transparency in operations
Community-centered decision-making
Comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting
However, MASTERMINE's stakeholder survey reveals several key gaps in trust-building efforts:
Low public awareness of the critical role mining plays in Europe’s green and digital transformation
Environmental concerns driven by insufficient communication
Missed opportunities to engage meaningfully with local communities
It's time for a shift in approach. By embracing data-driven engagement, the mining industry can foster digital platforms - like SocialMine in MASTERMINE - that promote transparency, facilitate evidence-based communication, and enhance understanding through effective knowledge sharing.
Let’s work together to create a mining ecosystem that is responsible, resilient, and community-focused!
