Study information

Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEPolitics, Mining and Sustainable Development CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM442 MODULE CONVENERMs Aveen Hameed (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 12 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 25
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module covers the vital industry issues of corporate social responsibility, social license to operate, stakeholder engagement, and political & environmental factors that affect mining decisions. The module explores how environmental impact is measured, monitored and controlled, and what sustainability means in the context of mining. It also explores international and local mining legislation, expectations of local people in mining regions, and the long and short term impacts of mining on a local and national scale with a particular focus on the social, economic and environmental impacts of mine closure.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module
Mines can only be developed where the mineral deposits occur, and this means that large scale infrastructure development and mining activities are established in widely differing countries, cultures, and environments. This module will focus on how mining operations, their activities and people, affect those around it, particularly within the growing agenda of resource nationalism and the environmental impact and legacy of mining. A sustainable mining operation needs to earn and maintain its social licence to operate. You will gain a broad understanding of mining legislation, sustainability, environmental, social and economic impacts, stakeholder engagement, CSR initiatives and particularly the challenges caused by mine closure.
 
The module aims to provide you with:
An international perspective on how mining companies operate in a diverse range of locations; politically, socially and environmentally. The module also explores the importance of small scale and artisanal miners, and their contribution to the international mining sector. 

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and  Knowledge:
1. Evaluate the principles of the socio-environmental impacts of mining.
2. Explain the challenges of sustainability, CSR and governance.
3. Understand the complex relationship between stakeholders.
4. Summarize the social, economic and environmental issues associated with mining.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
5. Identify the challenges, opportunities and strength of national and international mineral resource governance policies;
6. Identify good industry practice and analyse its long and short term impact on society and the environment. 
7.  Apply theories of corruption, governance and economic reforms to mining policies in developed and developing countries;
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8. Gain specific knowledge that will enable students to pursue further academic studies, work in international development, private and public sectors;
9 Communicate effectively through oral presentation, research and writing, and effectively monitor, critically analyse and report on issues related to mining, CSR, SLO and current industry practice.
 
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
1 Introduction to Sustainable Development, Politics and Sustainable Mining
2 Environmental and social impacts of mining 
3 Economics impacts of mining (downstream and side stream investments/activities) 
4 Corporate social responsibility and the social license to operate
5 International best practice in mining (CSR, SLO)
6 Artisanal and small scale miners
7 Mine closure and remediation
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 36 Lectures and Q&A sessions
Independent Study 114 Reading, research and preparation for seminars and assignment 

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
In class activities using case studies and group discussions Variable 1-9 Verbal

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Group Presentation  40 30 minutes 1-9 Written and oral
Report 60 4000 words 1-9 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

As above

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.
 
All referral marks capped at 50%.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic Reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Reading List for this module to be included on ELE.

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Diallo, P. (2017), Social Insecurity, Stability and the Politics in West Africa: A Case Study of Artisanal and Small-Scale Diamond Mining in Guinea, 1958-2008. The Extractive Industries and Society. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214790X16301514

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Richards, J. (Ed.) Mining, Society, and a Sustainable World Springer-Verlag: Berlin Heidelberg 2010
Set Alao, A. Natural Resources and Conflict in Africa: The Tragedy of Endowment Rochester: University of Rochester Press 2007
Set Diallo, P. Social Insecurity, Stability and the Politics in West Africa: A Case Study of Artisanal and Small-Scale Diamond Mining in Guinea, 1958-2008 The Extractive Industries and Society 2017
Set Shen, L., Muduli, K. and Brave, A. Developing a Sustainable Development Framework in the Context of Mining Industries: AHP Approach Resources Policy, Elsevier
Set Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & World Economic Forum (WEF) Mapping Mining to the Sustainable Development Goals: An Atlas Geneva: World Economic Forum 2016
Set Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) Global Trends in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM): A Review of Key Numbers and Issues Winnipeg: IISD 2017
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 2nd April 2019 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 17th September 2021
KEY WORDS SEARCH Sustainable Mining; Political Economy of Mining; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining; Social License to Operate (SLO); Mining and Human Rights

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.