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A three-step approach centred around stakeholder collaboration could be the most effective way for governments to successfully navigate mining communities through their transition toward non-mining economies.
According to Kamila Svobodova, a research fellow at the University of Göttingen, the best way to deal with mine closures is by combining early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments aimed at fostering economic and workforce transformation.
Based on past experiences with industrial transitions, Svobodova published a paper in Nature Energy where she argues that, in practice, governments struggle to truly engage mining communities in both legislation and action. Even the more successful transitions have failed to follow the principles of open and just participation or invest enough time in the process.
To better deal with the closure, she suggests that early discussions about what the future will look like help to build trust and relationships with communities.
In her view, a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches engages people at all levels. This ensures that the local context is understood and targeted specifically. It also establishes networks for collaboration during the transition.
Effective coordination of investments toward mining communities, including funding to implement measures to support workers, also paves the way to a successful transition as it seeds new industries, supports innovations, and enhances essential services in urban centers have proven to be successful in the past.
“To ensure energy security, it’s essential for governments to recognize the profound transformation that residents of mining communities experience when they shift away from mining,” Svobodova said in a media statement. “Neglecting these communities, their inherent strength of mining identity and unity could lead to social and economic instability, potentially affecting the overall national energy infrastructure.”
The researcher acknowledges that moving toward closure and consequently away from mining is not an easy or short journey.
“It is essential that governments recognize that the transition takes time, and persistence is essential for success,” Svobodova said. “They should openly communicate their strategies, ensuring communities and other stakeholders are well-informed and engaged. Building trust and providing guidance helps residents navigate the uncertainties associated with transitions. By embracing the three-step approach that centers around stakeholder engagement, governments can prioritize equitable and just outcomes when navigating mining transitions as part of their energy security strategies.”
