The Importance of Social License to Operate a Mine
Mining transcends borders, making it essential to prepare professionals with a global mindset. At University of Arizona, we recognize that the mining industry spans continents, and our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to make a global impact. Our comprehensive education program immerses students in a global perspective from day one, ensuring they are adept at navigating different cultures, regulatory landscapes, and sociopolitical environments.
The accessibility of high-quality mining education varies greatly worldwide. While our programs in the United States set a high standard, they must be adapted to meet the unique needs of our global counterparts. As we expand, our goal is to extend our educational reach, providing resources and support to the international mining community. By fostering a truly international educational experience, we aim to address the diverse challenges and opportunities within the global mining sector.
Global cultural awareness is paramount, particularly in respecting indigenous and local communities, safeguarding cultural heritage sites, and prioritizing community health. These elements are essential not only for fostering an equitable world but also for maintaining the social license to operate within diverse communities.
Why It Matters
Arizona is the top copper-producing state in the nation and a critical hub for domestic mineral supply chains. Mining is foundational to clean energy technologies, national security, and economic growth—yet it cannot advance without community support and environmental stewardship. As the U.S. seeks to responsibly expand critical mineral development, conversations around transparency, equity, and accountability are more important than ever.
This Summit highlights the University of Arizona’s central role in shaping that conversation. By leveraging its interdisciplinary research, community partnerships, and technical expertise, the School of Mining & Mineral Resources is helping ensure that the path to progress is informed, inclusive, and grounded in real-world solutions.
Educating for an Equitable World
Our educational philosophy goes beyond technical proficiency; it’s about nurturing a holistic understanding of the world. We embed global and equitable values into our curriculum, encouraging students to embrace innovative thinking and meaningful interactions. This dual strategy—integrating relevant global content and fostering diverse perspectives—ensures our graduates are not only experts in their fields but also champions of cultural sensitivity and ethical practice.
UArizona's International Mining Social License Summit
In April 2024, the School of Mining & Mineral Resources held its inaugural Mining Social License Summit, a first-of-its-kind forum for sharing best practices and the latest thinking and technologies for building, maintaining, and rebuilding social license to operate for mining.
With distinguished speakers like U.S. Ambassador Todd Chapman, international mining company leaders, and global consultants on the front lines of community voice, this event hosted nearly 200 attendees from around the world who are breaking boundaries to operate, and who shared their experiences and knowledge to help everyone achieve greater social license success.
