The Mineral Policy Institute [MPI] is embarking on a project that examines the role of mining in society. Called the Future of Mining the aim is to provide quality research that enables and contributes to a public discussion and examination of mining in Australia.
Investigations for the Future of Mining lead to the development of the responsible mining index which is being tested in Papua New Guinea in February 2011
The impetus behind Future of Mining comes from the ever increasing dominance of the mining industry in Australia that has spread to the finance industry, the media, politicians and even to the provision of basic services in rural and remote Australia. This dominance was made clear in response to the Resource Super Profits Tax, which contributed to the sacking of one Prime Minister and a national advertising war between government and industry that denied other stakeholders a voice.
,
Strangely, in a country that earns over 40% of its exports from mining there is little examination of how the industry is shaping society. Instead we seem to operate on unchallenged assumptions about the rights of mining companies. By challenging these assumptions and examining how mining is shaping society we can develop a better understanding of our society. From this understanding we can envisage and plan for a different future where mining is much more than a hole in the ground. MPI envisages a future where mining projects are assessed on other criteria such as long-term employment, supporting sustainable communities and downstream processing.
Unfortunately as mining has become more dominate there is even less capacity to examine the industry in the public interest. What we see today is a coalition of media, government and big business that often ignores and overrides the concerns of ordinary Australians. Responding to that dominance is a multitude of small groups fighting for their communities and environments in the face of overwhelming pressure. Spontaneous groups that arise in response to river diversions, water use, dust pollution, coal seam gas, uranium mining, social, cultural and economic impacts, the list goes on.
MPI is looking for project partners willing contribute to a multidisciplinary research team and to initiate a discussion about the Future of Mining.
MPI is also looking for sponsors, for funding. For despite the billions made from mining every year there is little funding to support an independent examination of the industry. Wether you are able to become a principle sponsor or to contribute a smaller grant or donation, we invite interested partners and/or sponsors to contact Charles Roche, Executive Director of MPI on charles.roche@mpi.org.au or 08 9343 0151
,
,
Funding MPI
The Mineral Policy Institute relies on donations and grants to fund our activities. MPI has recently restructured to reduce operating costs and ensure that money from our members and funders is used to assist people in need.
Donations to MPI of more than $2.00 are tax-deductible. You can make a donation online through Our Communities, a free and secure online donation facility.
MPI is an Income Tax Exempt Charity and is exempt from Income Tax under section 50-5 of the Income Assessment Tax Act 1997. MPI is authorised to fundraise for charitable purposes under the Charitable Fundraising Act, 1991). MPI is entered on the Register of Environmental Organisations and is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations under Item 6.1. of Table 6 in Sub-section 78(4) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.