The Managerial Aspects of Integrating the Sustainable Development Principles into Practices of Mining Companies

Abstract

In order to successfully achieve sustainable development objectives, modern enterprises have to establish a framework and implement appropriate managerial tools for the effective integration of sustainability into business operations. The paper aims to clarify the concept of sustainable development in the mine management context, highlight the main principles of sustainable mining and devise appropriate tools and mechanisms from a managerial viewpoint to implement the strategic sustainability priorities into business practice. Based on a literature review of research on sustainable mine management issues, the main dimensions of the sustainability concept are highlighted and the specific goals corresponding to each of the priority focus areas are identified in the paper. As a result of the study, the key organizational aspects and firm-level mechanisms that should be primarily taken into account from a management decision-making viewpoint to embed the strategic sustainability principles into business practices and corporate activities of mining operators are pointed out. From a practical perspective, the findings can be used by mining operators for defining strategic sustainability priorities and setting related corporate objectives, as well as devising guidelines for the effective implementation of the integrated sustainable mine management system.