Responsibility in Latin American Mining

Securing minerals for the green transition by addressing environmental and human rights risks

Our programme for more responsible and sustainable mining – also known by its Spanish acronym MARS (Minería Americana más Responsable y Sostenible) – takes a regional perspective on the sustainability challenges posed by the increasing demand for minerals needed for the global energy transition.

The programme is the result of co-creation between business, the financial sector, embassies, experts and representatives of civil society. MARS is fully funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by NIR in close cooperation with partners Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), V3 LAB Foundation and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM).

MARS also works with strategic alliances, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Latin America is a key region for production of critical raw materials. It has some of the world’s largest known reserves of copper and lithium, and significant amounts of graphite, nickel, and other transition minerals. Mining has a proven potential to become a growth engine for Latin American economies. However, mineral extraction comes with risks that can negatively affect the environment and local communities and worsen social conflict across the region.

Our Impact Projects

Regional Responsible Business Conduct Capacity Building

Regional: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú

The regional component of MARS strengthens the institutional capacity of key mining stakeholders across Latin America to advance more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable mining governance.

Building on internationally recognised frameworks for Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), business and human rights, and environmental sustainability, this component of MARS, led by its implementing partner, V3 LAB Foundation, supports organisations in translating these principles into stronger institutional capacities and collaborative action.

Working with mining associations, civil society organizations and other regional partners, MARS promotes knowledge mobilisation, peer learning and institutional cooperation to strengthen the practical implementation of existing international standards. Rather than creating new frameworks, the programme facilitates access to trusted knowledge, encourages regional exchange of experience and supports locally relevant approaches to responsible mining governance.

The regional component is currently structured around three complementary workstreams. The first strengthens the institutional capacities of mining associations across six Latin American countries through reflection, peer learning and practical implementation of Responsible Business Conduct. The second is exploring pathways for dialogue and mutual understanding between the mining sector and Indigenous Peoples, contributing to the gradual development of more inclusive approaches to responsible mining governance. The third focuses on the development of the MARS Competence Centre, a long-term institutional platform designed to mobilise knowledge, strengthen organizational capacities and support collaborative learning across the region.

Together, these complementary workstreams contribute to stronger regional cooperation and help build the institutional conditions needed for more responsible, inclusive and sustainable mining governance in Latin America.

Read more

Inclusive Water Management in Lithium Extraction

Country: Argentina

Lithium is a key component for electrification. A large portion of the world’s lithium resources are found in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.

The production of lithium can impact local ecosystems and water supplies, and in turn the traditional economic activities of the surrounding communities. At the same time, it has the potential to contribute to revitalising local economies, job creation and better infrastructure.

Our partner, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), has developed a process for more inclusive water management. By promoting participatory processes and tools, SEI aims to facilitate a more equitable and constructive dialogue among stakeholders. Together, we can contribute to improved conflict management in connection with lithium production. 

Read more

Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Copper Mining

Country: Peru

Copper is important in renewable power generation, electric vehicles and wiring and cabling for energy storage, and is often mined on a large scale. In many countries, mining is key to economic development as it generates investment, tax revenues and can contribute to development in remote areas. At the same time, large-scale copper mining is one of the main causes of social conflict as it is linked to pollution, relocation of communities and disputes over the use of land and water resources in the arid Andean region.

In cooperation with the Inter-American Development Bank, we are creating an inclusive stakeholder platform, bringing together companies, local governments, and communities to develop a roadmap and make decisions regarding local development. This model has shown promise in reducing conflict related to large-scale mining in the region and has the potential to be institutionalised.

Read more

Strengthening Small-Scale Mining for Development and Sustainability

Country: Colombia

Small-Scale Mining (SSM) plays a vital role in the livelihoods of rural communities in Colombia. Yet, the formalised segment remains underexplored in terms of its challenges, opportunities, and contributions to local development. 

Through its partnership with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and in coordination with the Colombian Mining Association (ACM), MARS strengthens formal SSM by promoting tailored strategies that foster sustainable practices, enhance competitiveness, and improve environmental and social outcomes.

Read more

Building a Future on Responsible Copper Mining

Country: Colombia

Colombia is positioning itself as an emerging copper player in the world. While the country is recognised for its vast mineral wealth, copper mining is still in its early stages, with limited industrial-scale production and exploration activity.

In partnership with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), MARS aims to engage companies, government, and civil society. The goal is to foster dialogue and create a shared roadmap for responsible copper development that aligns with international standards and the objectives of a just energy transition.

Together, these efforts aim to build inclusive and resilient mining models that contribute to territorial development, reduce conflict, and support Colombia’s role in the global energy transition. 

Read more

Based on consultations with affected stakeholders, companies across the mineral supply chain, civil society organisations and leading experts, and with support from Swedish embassies in the region, we have formed a Swedish-Latin American partnership.

Through this partnership, we promote more responsible mining as a regional competitive advantage.

Report // Colombia // Mining
Formal Small‑Scale Gold Mining in Colombia

The study La minería de pequeña escala formal de oro en Colombia provides new insights from our partner, the Alliance for Responsible Mining. The report calls for coordinated action to strengthen sustainability, market access and local development.

Read THe Full Report
Our partnership combines the collective power and know-how of Swedish companies throughout the mineral supply chain with strong regional partnerships to promote mining that protects human rights and puts the spotlight on promises of positive local impact. When matched by complementary measures on the ground, the increasing incentives and requirements for supply chain sustainability will be a strong driver for more responsible mining practices."
Henrik Hallgren
Henrik HallgrenProgramme Director, NIR
Close

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This executive summary presents the findings from the study “Workplace Cooperation: Finding Practical Solutions in the Colombian Context,” conducted by the Fundación Ideas para la Paz (FIP). The study evaluates the added value of the Swedish Workplace Programme (SWP) dialogue and cooperation model within the Colombian labor market.

Throughout 2022, FIP dedicated efforts to thoroughly understand the SWP model, including its concept, foundations, implementation process, and contributions to the labor market. In 2023, FIP documented the experiences of three companies—SKF Latin Trade, Securitas, and Epiroc—that implemented the SWP model in practice. The study also included face-to-face workshops to gather feedback from various stakeholders including civil society, businesses, government, academia, and international cooperation. The findings suggest that the SWP model has the potential to strengthen labor relations, contribute to decent work, and resolve workplace conflicts in Colombia.

The case studies highlight the importance of collaboration between employers and workers to promote decent work and sustainable development in Colombia. They demonstrate that social dialogue facilitates worker participation in labor decision-making, enhances their representativeness, and promotes cooperation between employers and employees, thus improving labor relations and contributing to the well-being of both employees and companies.

The SWP model is particularly noted for improving workplace relationships and commitment to jointly finding solutions to challenges faced by workers and the company. It empowers workers, enhances leadership, and helps integrate business policies into daily practices, reducing the initial disconnect between management objectives and the day-to-day realities of workers. The study also highlights the model’s capacity to manage conflicts constructively, transforming the perception of conflict as an opportunity for improvement. Structured dialogues deepen understanding of the underlying causes of conflicts, fostering empathy and facilitating effective resolution. This promotes a culture of collaboration and a democratic approach to decision-making, building trust.

Additionally, the model is recognized for enabling workers to make decisions, identify challenges, and propose solutions that impact their well-being, and bridging gender gaps in the workplace. Its inclusive approach adapts to the unique needs and characteristics of each company, promoting a stronger and more diverse organizational culture. It also drives good work performance and productivity by involving workers in problem identification and resolution, as well as in implementing improvements and efficiently identifying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks for companies.

The document identifies the SWP model’s added value in empowering direct interaction among labor stakeholders in Colombia, overcoming historical or cultural reservations, and contributing to the development of stronger labor relations and improved workplace environments in the country.

Challenges and opportunities of the model are also discussed. The study points out the importance of addressing value chain risks, particularly in a global context where corporate clients demand decent work processes and due diligence. It emphasizes the need to integrate SMEs into this process and use anchor companies as drivers of social dialogue throughout the value chain. The role of the state in social dialogue and the importance of highlighting the benefits of the model for adoption across various business sectors are discussed.

The opportunities of the model include raising awareness of human rights in the workplace in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP), to strengthen due diligence, manage risks, promote long-term sustainability, and improve organizational culture. The document also underscores the importance of involving workers in change processes, leveraging their insights for continuous improvement of processes, and fostering innovation opportunities. Lastly, it suggests replicating the model in value chains to address work environment risks and gender biases, involving suppliers and contractors, and integrating the model into corporate policies to strengthen existing programs and transform organizational culture towards resource efficiency and effective participation of employers and workers.