The escalating global demand for minerals and metals, driven by rapid urbanisation and the transition to green and digital technologies, poses significant challenges for sustainable development. As the world population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with nearly 70% residing in urban areas, the need for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements is intensifying. These materials are essential for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, making them crucial for achieving global climate goals. However, the reliance on extractive activities, particularly in middle to low-income economies, exacerbates social and environmental issues, including livelihood disruptions, social conflicts, human rights violations, and occupational hazards.
In response to these challenges, the EIT-funded project 'Professional Social Licence to Operate (PRO SLO)' has been launched, bringing together experts from industry, research, and academia across Europe. The project aims to equip current and future leaders in the mining sector with the skills necessary to effectively manage Social Licence to Operate (SLO) processes. Through a comprehensive PhD Summer/Winter school programme, combining advanced teaching methods such as case studies, simulations, and workshops, PRO SLO addresses critical ethical, social, and environmental concerns. The initiative aligns with European Union policies on responsible mining, fostering sustainable practices to enhance ethical standards in the industry.