Vision

Mining decisions involve complex scientific, technical, financial, and regulatory questions, with environmental and social consequences that can persist throughout a mine's lifecycle and long after its closure. Communities and Indigenous Nations impacted by mining, as well as public interest groups engaged in mining issues, often lack access to the independent expertise and resources available for industry and government at various stages of a mining project. This imbalance can limit meaningful participation in decisions involving community benefits, water quality, tailings and mine waste, reclamation and closure, financial assurance, and other long-term risks. CSP2 works to close these gaps by making evidence-based, independent research and technical expertise available, in furtherance of inclusive decision-making and the public interest.

Goals

1. 1.CSP2 is developing a Mining Research and Policy Initiative to produce independent, applied research on mining's environmental, technical, financial, and governance dimensions. Research will address mine waste and tailings, water quality, closure, financial assurance, and emerging technologies, and be translated into accessible public interest reports, policy briefs, and tools.
2. 2.CSP2 provides independent, fee-based technical advisory services on mining’s environmental and public interest implications. We review mine permits, environmental assessments, tailings, water quality, reclamation, and financial assurance documents, and prepare comments to help clients evaluate technical information and participate effectively in decisions affecting communities and the environment.
3. 3.CSP2 is developing two initiatives to expand access to independent technical expertise in mining. The Community Assistance Fund will help communities, Indigenous Nations, and public interest groups obtain expertise, while the Society of Technical Environmental Professionals (STEP) will build a network of independent experts. Both are in development and seeking partners and funding.