New article - Nickel mining in Michigan

[raphael.deberdt]

Dear Ecominerals members 

I am more than happy to announce the publication an article titled "From opposition to conditional acceptance: Corporate environmental and socio-economic engagement in critical minerals mining in Michigan" in Resources Policy. Co-authored with Nicole M. Smith, Aaron Malone, and Robin Bullock, this piece is the result of fielwork conducted with funding from National Science Foundation (NSF), Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI).

https://lnkd.in/gY47dDwh

Eagle Mine, a subsidiary of Lundin Mining, is the only primary nickel producer in the United States. Located near the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the mine faced significant opposition in the beginning of the project. Community members mobilized against the mine's potential for environmental pollution, the impacts of its proposed transportation corridors, and the possible destruction of a culturally significant site. We introduce the concept of post-opening acceptance to describe the slow acceptance of this mine. Post-opening acceptance of Eagle Mine was achieved in part, through community-based environmental monitoring and community economic and educational engagement initiatives. However, this acceptance remains contingent on the company's sustained performance, including the absence of acute and chronic environmental impacts, continuous community support, and a visible and accessible presence. This research brings new layers to the SLO and CSR scholarship. It places post-opening acceptance between the consensual approach that mining companies often describe in their community relationship efforts and the most conflictual community-company interactions that have long defined the extractive sector.

As always, happy to hear comments!

Best 
Raphael Deberdt