Over the past 15 years, the minerals industry has become increasingly aware of the value associated with – and risk inherent with not – establishing a path toward achieving Social License to Operate (SLO), and doing so well before there is evidence that a mine has been proven.

While the definition of SLO as social acceptance or approval of a project is broadly accepted, the roles and goals of stakeholders in the process are not always self evident, and the roles and goals of critical observers with the potential to influence outcomes need to be understood. There is tremendous benefit in quickly identifying where a stable SLO will be difficult to gain and maintain.

In the face of such challenges, company perspective, approach, and continual reevaluation of process and context are crucial to success. During this two day workshop, participants will gain a concrete understanding of thefundamentals of the SLO and develop tools for laying a solid foundation for a customized SLO plan – enhancing project value through recognition of risk and opportunity from the earliest stages of any endeavour.

Ian Thomson bio:

Ian Thomson, PhD, is the President of Shinglespit Consultants Inc. and recipient of the AME BC 2010 Robert R. Hedley Award for Excellence in Social and Environmental Responsibility. Ian received a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from Imperial College London and subsequently worked for 30+ years in the natural resources sector, across social, business, and engineering aspects of the industry. Ian's expertise spans disciplines, from geoscience to stakeholder engagement, social performance, international standards, corporate training, complex negotiations, and policy.

Ian authored the initial version of "Community Engagement" for PDAC's e3Plus, provided leadership on PDAC's "Principles and Guidance for Responsible Exploration", and developed quantitative metrics for the Social License to Operate. Ian has also authored more than twenty peer-reviewed academic publications.

Ian is a member of a global network of researchers and practitioners who delineate and deconstruct the opportunities and challenges facing businesses as they engage with host communities.

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http://secure-mdru.sites.olt.ubc.ca/sc84/