Trends in the sustainability reporting: A case study of European mining industry

Abstract

Mining is at odds with sustainable development due to the environmental impacts, and social conflicts, but it also provides economic benefits to communities and secures minerals necessary for low-carbon technology. The European mining industry is important for its economy in providing minerals required for sustainable development and by offering employment. Few studies have been conducted on the European mining sector, its contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sustainability reporting. The aim of this multiple case study is to examine the efforts of European mining companies to mitigate negative impacts caused by their operations, and their contribution to the SDGs by analysing, comparing and critically evaluating their sustainability reports for the 2016-2018 period. Mining companies report on core subjects of corporate governance, employees, the environment, stakeholders and community engagement, occupational health and safety, product stewardship and economic performance. The progress is observed in community relations and health, and safety, while environmental issues like carbon and air emissions, water and energy usage increased for most companies. Furthermore, there is a lack of improvement in gender diversity, renewable energy, and waste recycling. The comparison between the reports was limited by different materiality topics, use of different key performance indicators and non-uniform measuring units. All analysed companies mentioned SDGs in the reports, however the reports miss comprehensive explanation of the mining contribution to the SDGs. European mining companies act under pressures from international initiatives and industry associations, European Union and governments, stakeholders, and partnerships. This study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature on the European context of sustainable development and SDGs relevant for the academia, policymakers and other stakeholders impacted by mining operations and adds a new theoretical knowledge on the external drivers for CSR activities based on the institutional theory.