Cross-sector collaboration shaping Corporate Social Responsibility best practice within the mining industry

Changing environmental conditions, heightened stakeholder expectations and resource demand pressures have forced the mining sector to continually improve their operational practices whilst engage in Corporate Social Responsibility practices. Closer inspection of these practices within the mining sector reveals a level of differentiation with regard to innovative practices which seek to improve operational practice, modify organizational behaviours and redress environmental impacts. This paper explores the 30-year journey taken by mining giant, Alcoa of Australia, as they addressed their social and environmental responsibilities. In particular, the focus is on the collaborative relationship between Alcoa of Australia and the environmental nonprofit organization, Greening Australia. Testing partnership lifecycle and continuum models, this paper offers a model of Corporate Social Responsibility enacted through cross-sector partnerships. ► We examine an example of best practice CSR in the Australian mining sector. ► CSR enacted through cross-sector collaboration targets societal needs. ► Successful relationships demonstrate a preparedness to evaluate, refine and expand.