Sustainable and Responsible Mining: Lundin Mining's Subsidiary in Portugal, SOMINCOR Case

Abstract

This abstract proposes to present the responsible and sustainable mining case study of a Portuguese mine operation, highlighting how mine exploitation can sustainably exist in balance with the environment, aligned with all stakeholders. The mining operation is remotely located in a United Nations (UN) biodiversity reserve, away from major industrial centres or logistical ports in Portugal, and presents an interesting investigation to assess the balanced operation of SOMINCOR in alignment with all key stakeholders which presents unique opportunities as well as challenges. The objective of the Dissertation was to verify how sustainable practices are incorporated in the mining operation, assess how implementation of the sustainability strategy demonstrates acceptance and trust of local communities, and highlight lessons learned that can be applied in other mining operations or similar contexts, given that no publication including a mining operation in Portugal was found that address the subject.