Dynamics of corporate social responsibility (CSR) during mineral exploration: Evidence from Eastern Region, Ghana.

How are decisions around Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arrived at in the mining sector, particularly in Ghana? To date, the literature on mining and development in the region has mostly analysed individual interventions made in the name of CSR and critiqued the case for embracing it. These assessments, however, very crucially overlook exploration, an essential phase of the mine lifecycle, during which inaugural dialogues are initiated with local communities that ultimately have a bearing on CSR strategy over the long term. This paper examines the dynamics of CSR at the exploration phase of mining projects, surveys local communities' perspectives on the subject, and assesses the actions of international mineral exploration companies.

Corporate Social Responsibility at African mines: Linking the past to the present.

This paper traces the origins of the 'brand' of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) employed at large-scale mines across sub-Saharan Africa. Conceived within fortified resource enclaves, the policies adopted and actions taken in the area of CSR at many of the region's large-scale mines today have had had minimal effect on community wellbeing. Further examination reveals that contemporary CSR strategy in the region's mining sector is often a 'repackaging' and 'rebranding' of moves made by major operators during the colonial period and early years of country independence to pacify and engage local communities.