Mining Companies, Local Pressure Group, Corporate Social Responsibility; A Case Study of AngloGold Ashanti

Abstract

This study examined the CSR programme of AngloGold Ashanti and was aimed at determining local pressure group’s perspective of AngloGold’s CSR activities. It is underpinned by the social contract theory, stakeholder theory, social responsibility theory and the triple bottom line theory. The role of extractive companies especially the mining industry in advancing communal development cannot be over-emphasized. While they are crucial in helping host communities develop, mining companies have come under criticism for destroying the environment and not engaging in enough Corporate Social Responsibility activities. This has called the attention and criticisms of pressure groups from host communities. The contention has often been on the lack of adequate community centered CSR initiatives. This study argues that as a result, there seem to be some conflict in the performance of mining companies’ CSR between mining firms and pressure groups from host communities that need to be investigated. This study employed the qualitative approach to investigate mining companies’ perceptions of the performance of CSR as well as the perceptions of pressure groups from host communities on CSR. A sample of two (2) respondents from the AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi) and two (2) respondents from Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM) were interviewed for perceptions on CSR performance by the mining organization. The study found among other things that there exist dissimilarities in the perceptions of CSR performance between AngloGold Ashanti and WACAM. The study also recommends that AngloGold Ashanti must invest in improving stakeholder engagements while undertaking CSR projects in host communities to avoid engaging in activities that donor communities may perceive as not beneficial and a waste of resources.