Source: The National, Monday 18th February, 2013
By NATTAVUD PIMBA
MINING is one of the most sensitive industries, due to its economic and environmental impacts.
Clearly, it is significant to Australia.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), total industry gross value added of the mining industry increased by 21% over the period 2005-06 to 2009-10.
Importantly, the mining industry’s contribution to Australian GDP was 8.4% in 2009-10.
In the period 2006-07 and 2010-11, the value of exports from the mining industry more than doubled.
The growth of Australian mining industry is evident.
We, however, still question the roles of mining multinational corporations (MNCs) from Australia in the host countries,
mostly developing nations.
The dialogue on the relationship between social and economic conditions and international mining activities is ongoing and robust.
Current debate on the contributions of mining MNCs from Australia, in the form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the host countries, is one of the most critical issues of government and international business.
Described as an “almost truism”, CSR by most Australian mining MNCs is perceived as a set of taken-for-granted ideas within society or institution but requires further attention among stakeholders in international mining industry.
It might be fair to claim that Australian mining MNCs in developing countries contribute to economic growth and, perhaps, better quality of life.
However, we still wonder if mining MNCs can really do something “better” to improve some chronic socio-economic conditions, such as poverty, equity or health, in the host countries.
Mining MNCs often operate in areas of developing countries which are characterised by limited governmental presence, a high incidence of poverty, a lack of basic social infrastructure, and other social and political problems.
Financial assistance from mining MNCs alone to such countries – some A$2.5 trillion has been provided in the last 50 years -– has often not helped the neediest of citizens.
In fact, it may have worsened their plight by sustaining corrupt or otherwise inefficient governments which contribute to their misery, by leaving nations with mountainous debt.
Clearly, Australian companies have the unmatched power and competence to work with other stakeholders on socio-economic issues in the host countries.
Increasingly world opinion, as well as the inclinations of their own managers and staff, urges Australian mining MNCs to use that power more effectively and fairly.
However, mining MNCs lack a vehicle to make that transition in a sustainable and legitimate way.
From the international perspective, their involvement in development issue is limited due to a lack of clarity regarding their role, and the absence of detailed exploration of the links between socio-economic issues and Australian mining companies. – onlineopinion
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/45589 -----------
Mein MULTIBAGGER Favorit B?? ;-))))) |
Thread abonnieren
