Mining operations and corporate social responsibility: A case study of a large gold mine in regional Australia

• Analysed the socio-economic-political impacts of mining in regional Australia
• Reviewed a company's role in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• Active engagement with local communities improves investment outcomes
• Investors’ proactive approaches yield very positive and healthy outcomes
• Trust, reciprocity, reliability, transparency and consistency are essential elements

There has been increasing concern in Australia in recent years over a potential disconnect between the value generated by the mining industry and the return to the local community. This research contributes to this debate by analysing the impacts of a large mining operation on the local communities in the Central West region of NSW in Australia. The research uses a qualitative framework based on a single case study: Newcrest Mining Limited. Major data sources include interviews with key stakeholders and content analysis of media reports and local press. The analysis employs a modified form of PESTEL framework as the analytical tool and NVivo for data analysis. The research revealed how engagement with local communities can improve the investment outcomes in a regional economy. Newcrest adopted a proactive approach from the very beginning. The study observed a very positive and healthy relationship between the company and the local communities in general. Newcrest is found to be a good corporate citizen and is performing well in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR). This case study analysis is significant as it is located in a regional area that is not considered to be remote and also not entirely dependent on mining operations economically.