About CSRM
The Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) was established by the University of Queensland in 2001 in response to growing interest in and debate about the role of the mining and minerals industry in contemporary society. During the past six years, CSRM has contributed to industry change processes through leading research, post-graduate teaching, professional education, research-orientated consulting and pro-bono work. CSRM has global reach, with particular experience in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
CSRM’s focus is the socio-economic and political challenges that confront companies, communities and governments when change is brought about by resource extraction. Our aim is to help build the capacity of these stakeholders to manage change in more effective ways. We undertake rigorous and collaborative research within the University’s ethical framework, compile high quality reports, and wherever possible share the results of our research through published material.
Who we are
CSRM has a multi-disciplinary team of researchers committed to bridging the divide between technical/physical and social sciences. On staff we have anthropologists, sociologists, economists, natural resource specialists, political scientists, engineers and technical specialists. Our team of senior researchers have extensive practical experience, ranging from work on-site for companies, development work in the community sphere and broader engagement with both industry and civil society institutions at the regional, national and global level.
Who we work for
A significant proportion of our research is funded through cooperative research centres (CRCs), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and industry research funds.
CSRM has also worked for peak industry organisations, such as the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), major global companies such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Newmont Mining and Xstrata as well as mid-tier companies like Lihir Gold Limited, with whom we have a major three-year research partnership. In addition, CSRM works with small to medium sized enterprises and exploration companies who are focused on improving their sustainability performance.
CSRM collaborates on research projects with non-industry players such as NGOs and government, particularly where it aligns with the strategic direction of the centre. For example, in collaboration with Oxfam Australia, CSRM has undertaken pro-bono work on grievance mechanisms for the Australian mining industry operating offshore.
What we do
- Research projects: Indigenous employment and enterprise development, community engagement and development, impact monitoring and assessment, human capital, management and governance and responsible resource use and processing
- Strategic advice: community engagement and development policy and strategies
- Context analysis and baselines: for development of priorities around sustainability strategies
- Social risk and impact assessments: problem identification, facilitation and development of response strategies
- Monitoring and evaluation: for project and program effectiveness and sustainability
- Survey work: qualitative and quantitative research to understand corporate performance and community and workforce perceptions
- Training and education: delivery of the Graduate Certificate in Community Relations, industry short-courses, on-site training, mentoring and workshops.
Our Values
We are committed to:
- conducting rigorous, independent research
- subjecting our work to external scrutiny and peer review
- ensuring that all our projects comply with University of Queensland ethical research guidelines
- using a multi-disciplinary model of research and working collaboratively with other research centres
- producing written output that is clear, concise and reader-friendly disseminating the outcomes of our research as widely as possible.
CSRM's Advisory Board
- provides strategic advice on the Centre's work program
- helps identify research and funding opportunities
- provides feedback on the quality and utility of the Centre's work.
Individual Board members also provide advice and assistance in relation to particular projects in which they have an interest. The Board meets formally three times a year. The inaugural meeting was held in July 2002.
External
- Christine Charles, Regional Director Environment and Social Responsibility, Newmont (Chair)
- Geoff Dickie, Acting Deputy Coordinator General (Infrastructure Development), Department of Infrastructure and Planning (QLD)
- Murray Swyripa, General Manager Communications and External Relations, Rio Tinto Aluminium
- Frances Hayter, Environment & Indigenous Affairs Policy Advisor, Queensland Resources Council
- Trevor Robinson, Executive Director, Queensland Indigenous Working Group (QWIG)
- Sue Sara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility Qld/NT, Xstrata
University of Queensland
- Professor Geoff Lawrence, Head, School of Social Sciences
- Professor Chris Moran, Director, Sustainable Minerals Institute