Narratives in Societal Social License to Operate: Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean

This chapter explores the societal social license to operate (SLO) within the extractive sector across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries. Employing an innovative mixed methods approach, it explores citizens’ perspectives on the extractive industries. The analysis shows how these views collectively shape the narrative around the industry’s impact, which in turn determines societal SLO. The LAC region, characterized by rich natural resources and the highest prevalence of mining-related conflicts globally, proves an important case for understanding the complexities of societal SLO. This chapter offers insights into the narratives shaping societal attitudes toward the extractive industries. The need for balance emerges as a key theme, depicting the industry’s challenge in driving economic growth and job creation on the one hand while ensuring environmental protection and social responsibility on the other. Further analysis reveals a clear hierarchy of public concerns prioritizing high-quality community engagement and environmental protection over job creation and efficient processes. Institutional factors significantly influence public trust and acceptance, underscoring the importance of robust legal frameworks and transparent governance in building societal SLO. Additionally, the role of government enforcement is highlighted as a pivotal factor in achieving public acceptance.