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.