102–40 List of stakeholder groups
A stakeholder process is in place with roles and responsibilities defined. The stakeholder process is applicable for Boliden Group, Business Areas Mines and Smelters as well as the Business Units. Each unit is responsible for identifying applicable stakeholders and the type of dialogue that should be carried out, and by whom.
Stakeholders are identified for example during initial exploration work and contacted through telephone calls, workplans for exploration or public meetings if the company enters an area of low experience of exploration and mining. Stakeholder management is also a central part of project development, application processes for permits as well as continuously during operation and long-term rehabilitation.
The stakeholder groups identified as priority groups for engagement on sustainability issues are:
102–42 Identifying and selecting stakeholders
Boliden’s operations affect many people in a variety of ways, and similarly, its stakeholders have different views and expectations of Boliden. A stakeholder process is implemented to help Boliden’s Business Units engage and strengthen dialogue with important stakeholders. By conducting stakeholder dialogues at different levels and operations, Boliden meets demands for increased transparency and learns about stakeholder demands and expectations in greater detail.
102–43 Approach to stakeholder engagement
Boliden has a wide-ranging framework of stakeholders who raise expectations, influence perceptions of the company, and are relevant with regard to sustainability performance. Dialogues are conducted in different ways with different groups, for example, bi-annual employee surveys, open-house meetings with employees and the neighboring community, formal and informal meetings with authorities, as well as capital market days and the Annual General Meeting.
Stakeholders are contacted and involved in different ways. Social impact assessments have been completed in several projects. Boliden has developed a toolbox for different types of stakeholder involvement. A typical example is citizen dialogue conducted in the Boliden area regarding the rehabilitation of industrial areas.
102–44 Key topics and concerns raised
Boliden’s employees are naturally a key stakeholder. Employee dialogues aimed at understanding their desires and demands are essential for the overall success of Boliden’s units. Responses from internal stakeholders (employees) confirms that health and safety is the most important issue, followed by the ability to create value by maximizing the metal yield and driving technological developments.
External stakeholders have high expectations when it comes to Boliden’s focus on increased energy efficiency, its carbon footprint, responsible business and land use. The common denominator for all stakeholders is an expectation that Boliden’s innovation and technological development capabilities will benefit both the company and society at large. Sustainability within Boliden means evaluating environmental impact, taking social considerations into account, and securing strong economic results.