Responsibility and Sustainability in Latin American Mining

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

 

Our programme for 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), Vincular Center Foundation (FCV) 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.

Why is this important?

Mining can lead to conflict between miners and communities. Stakeholder dialogue and support to affected communities to actively participate in addressing mining-related impact are central to MARS.

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.

Our routes to impact

Regional Alignment of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Standards and Practices

Regional

Through peer exchanges, trainings, and the promotion of good practices, we assist regional stakeholders in leveraging their crucial role in the global energy transition.

We support them in aligning with Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) practices and in implementing existing human rights and environmental sustainability standards. Our key partners include mining associations, mining companies, and representatives from civil society and indigenous peoples.

MARS actively supports and strengthens existing regional initiatives. We also strive to increase our impact on sustainability challenges by involving our members, partners, regional business partners and other relevant stakeholders.

Inclusive Water Management in Lithium Extraction

Country: Argentina

Lithium is today a key component for the electrification of vehicles and the generation and storage of electricity. 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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
“A sustainable society requires metals. Demand for base metals, such as copper, zinc and nickel, among others, is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. By caring for people, the environment and society, and by using our extensive experience and leading technology, we can further improve our own operations and bring positive impact throughout the value chain.”
Anna Medvedeva
Anna Medvedeva NIR Board Member, Director Sustainability Technology and Strategy, Boliden Smelters
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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.