Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Richard Schuttler

Abstract

Mining operations often cause environmental and social problems for communities. Efforts by major stakeholders in most developing countries to create and enforce an ethical framework for mining industry operations have been inconsistent. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study, which was based on stakeholder theory, was to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the implementation of environmental policies and mining operations in Zambia. Data collection involved semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of 24 research participants from a copper mining company operating in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, the government ministry for mining, energy, and water development, the environmental protection agency, an environmental nongovernmental organization, local media, and the residents of the mining town. Data analysis included compiling, examining, classifying, and searching the data for patterns. The findings indicate that unsustainable practices; enforcement and technological problems; and the lack of corporate social responsibility were the principal cause of environmental problems. The recommendations include increased community involvement, awareness, and government support; enforcement of environmental laws; adoption of corporate responsibility practices; and investment in new technology. Collaboration by stakeholder groups to adequately address environmental issues and enhance environmental sustainability is also imperative. The potential implications for positive social change include providing guidance for the environmental protection agency, mining organizational leaders, and the government to alleviate environmental problems associated with mining and improve the well-being of the people.

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