Authors : Mashimango James; Mitulo Silengo

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mumchz24

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep363

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Environmental stewardship is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in securing and maintaining a Social Licence to Operate (SLO) in the mining sector, particularly where mining activities generate significant environmental and socioeconomic concerns among host communities. At Lumwana Mine in Zambia, concerns about environmental impacts and community expectations may influence the extent to which mining operations are socially accepted and perceived as legitimate. This study examined the role of environmental stewardship in achieving and maintaining a Social Licence to Operate at Lumwana Mine. Specifically, it assessed the mine’s environmental stewardship practices, examined hostcommunity perceptions and expectations, evaluated the alignment between stewardship initiatives and community expectations, and determined the implications of inadequate environmental stewardship for the mine’s SLO.  Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design involving a population of 330 participants selected through simple and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Keywords : Environmental Stewardship, Social Licence to Operate, Mining, Host Communities, Corporate Social Responsibility, Community Perceptions, Lumwana Mine, Zambia.

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