UQ researchers link with mining industry to benefit Aboriginal people

Researchers at The University of Queensland are working to improve economic and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people in Australia’s mining regions.

The work carried out by the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) is already being used within the industry to improve strategies for attracting and retaining Indigenous employees.

The CSRM is also working with mining companies to examine ways in which the industry could support long-term Aboriginal tourism initiatives, to further enhance economic growth and employment opportunities.

Director of the CSRM Professor David Brereton said this research was the first of its kind in Australia, and had received a warm reception from the mining industry.

“These days, most mining companies are looking for opportunities to leave a positive, long-term legacy and to contribute to the communities in which they operate,” he said.

Professor Brereton said companies could make a practical contribution to sustainable development by providing employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people, and by helping them to develop new businesses, such as tourism ventures.

“The mining industry itself recognises that it cannot operate without a broad social licence to operate,” he said. “If companies fail to take a responsible approach to the management of social and environmental impacts, they risk losing this licence.”

The CSRM is the fastest-growing research centres within the Sustainable Minerals Institute, (SMI) housed in the new Sir James Foots Building to be officially opened on Friday, May 20.

Professor Brereton said CSRM’s six full-time staff and several part-timers undertook high quality social science research to assist mining companies and the communities in which they operated.

“This is a new area of study which demands a multi-disciplinary approach,” he said. “Staff backgrounds are diverse and include political science, engineering and management, and psychology.

“We are focused on doing practical research that can deliver improved performance at a grass-roots level. We see a great advantage in being part of the SMI because of its interdisciplinary focus and its strong link to the mining industry.”

Media: Further information, contact Professor David Brereton at (07) 3346 4043