Sustainable management applied to the metallic mining industry in Mexico : a conceptual model

Abstract

PURPOSE: The metallurgical industry is an important branch of the global economy. The activities of this industry cause ecological and social problems in Mexico. It is proposed to elaborate and verify a conceptual model of sustainable management for Mexican Metallic Mining Industry. Due to economic and environmental importance of this industry, the use of adequate conceptual model of management is of crucial importance. Hence the conceptual model is proposed.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Methodology contemplates an investigation of sustainability inside of environmental management in Metallic Mining Industry in Mexico. The bibliographical and theoretical information and assumptions allowed to design a conceptual model. The model has been validated by a case study, based on the holistic single-case study. The applied methodology consists of four steps: data acquisition and analysis, design, and qualitative verification of the conceptual model, conclusion elaboration and the initial draft of the best practice proposal.

FINDINGS: The scope and level of implementation of selected parameters of environment protection specified by Mexican and international law in the field, and indirectly by analyzing the use of procedures recommended by the conceptual model, have been defined. The conceptual model was subjected to the positive valuation of experts from the mining industry in Mexico. The proposed conceptual model of sustainable management joins the UN Universal Principles of Sustainable Management with Mexican legislative parameters.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of this study relies on the proposal of new conceptual sustainable management model for the mining industry in Mexico. Until now foreign models of sustainability have been mostly used for different internal areas. Mexico needs a strategy of aligning business management needs with the urgent implementation of the Environmental Agenda for the mining industry in Mexico. The model and results of its pilot implementation in the metal mining sector of San Luis Potosí State create the foundation for strategy definition and implementation. Final recommendation extends a possibility model to be applied in non-metallic and metallurgy sector.