award

Barrick Gold Corporation: Perfect Storm at Pascua Lama

Published 23 Jun 2014
Reference 6021
Industry Mining & Metals
Region South America
Length 16 page(s)
popular
Prizes & Awards

Runner Up at 2014 Oikos Case Writing Competition, Corporate Sustainability Category

Summary

This case is about a gold mining company that seeks to practice “responsible mining” by addressing environmental and stakeholder concerns, but which nevertheless attracts protests. Barrick Gold Corporation has invested $4.8 billion developing the Pascua Lama gold mine in a glacial region of South America, but opposition has blocked the project.

Teaching objectives

The case allows students to examine a situation where CSR and sustainability may seem in conflict with the core business operations of the company, and challenges them to develop creative solutions. It introduces the concept of having a 'social license to operate' and explores how much societal acceptance is needed.

Keywords
  • gold mining
  • license to operate
  • sustainability
  • stakeholder engagement
  • enviromentalism
  • indigenous peoples
  • corporate social responsibility
  • responsible mining
  • Q41314