Social responsibility in geoscience and mining education

摘要

Geo-scientific and mining related development projects have the potential to negatively impact communities especially in developing countries. These issues have attracted great attention and scrutiny in the consideration of government and industry CSR policy in regard to social and environmental impact, social responsibility and community relations. The development of social capabilities and skills for geoscientists and mining engineers involved in these projects would make an important contribution and assist to influence their successful outcome. Thus there is a need to introduce socially responsibility programs into the university geosciences and mining engineering curricula that aims to make the students aware that knowledge is not only a technical pathway to professional qualifications but also to have the capability to engage society, as these students on graduation and employment are often the first point of contact with communities and Indigenous People in their research and work. The introduction of social awareness input into their courses is necessary so that they can apply their technical knowledge in a responsible way. Subjects could include social impact assessment, community relations, human rights, conflict resolution and other relevant courses.