Exploring solutions to community issues in large-scale mining projects in Latin America: a case study of the Veladero Gold Mine in Argentina

Community issues in large-scale mining projects in Latin America have become a significant obstacle to the development of Chinese enterprises in the region. Based on a thorough review and summary of the experiences and lessons learned by both Chinese and foreign mining companies operating in Latin America, it is crucial to deeply analyze the root causes of community issues. These issues stem from the unbalanced and insufficient socio-economic development of the communities, as well as the longstanding development deficit in the region that has yet to be addressed. A systematic approach, mobilizing various resources, is needed to resolve these problems. Chinese enterprises have a relatively short history of development in Latin America, and they face challenges such as a lack of experience and resource constraints in many areas. How to fully leverage their own strengths, draw on the successful experiences of other companies, reduce project development and operational risks, and avoid unnecessary pitfalls has become a key issue to address. By attempting strategic cooperation with advanced Western mining companies to jointly develop and operate large mines in Latin America, Chinese enterprises can combine the strengths of both Chinese and Western approaches. This approach follows modern corporate governance models, thereby avoiding the heavy burden of “companies managing communities” while effectively mitigating the entrenched problems in Western companies, such as the entrenchment of vested interests, obstruction of market competition, technological innovation, and neglect of public interests. In the long term, addressing mining community issues and promoting environmental protection, social development, and global cooperation in these communities will play a positive role. As companies continuously build and improve the sustainable development environment upon which their long-term survival depends, they will also establish a responsible corporate image and achieve the strategic goal of becoming world-class mining enterprises.