Course Learning Outcomes:
- Explain why Sustainability is a contested concept or moving target and describe the role of the extractive industries in contributing to sustainability.
- Discuss the legal framework for mining in Canada and identify the constitutional obligations statutes and regulations that apply to extractive projects in Canada.
- Discuss the ways in which culture and the legacy of colonization affects the process of building trust with Aboriginal communities.
- Advise a company operating outside Canada on their human rights obligations and steps that should be taken to mitigate risk
- Describe the obligations under the Mining Association of Canadas Towards Sustainable Mining program for the protection of the environment.
- Explain why mining is a contributor to climate change, and give examples that illustrate why mining will critical for a transition to a zero carbon and circular economy..
- Conduct a basic stakeholder and impact analysis for a given project scenario.
- Identify opportunities for building capacity and developing mutually beneficial partnerships with affected communities.
- Discuss the obligations of instruments such as the International Finance Corporations Environmental and Social Performance Standards and describe how the mechanisms by which they have effect.
- Prepare a basic sustainability audit employing industry standard indicators GR GRI.
- Prepare a preliminary plan for community engagement respecting a proposed extractive project.
- Discuss the problematic aspects of artisanal mining and proposed solutions.