Mason, Claire M., Paxton, Gillian, Parr, Joanna, and Boughen, Naomi (2010) Charting the territory: Exploring stakeholder reactions to the prospect of seafloor exploration and mining in Australia. Marine Policy, 34 (6). pp. 1374-1380.

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Abstract

Geological surveys of Australia’s marine territory have revealed significant potential for development of a marine resource industry. As onshore mineral deposits become harder to find, less accessible to their market and more challenging to extract, seafloor exploration and mining becomes an economically viable option. However, evidence from industry and environmental literature suggests that social acceptance will be important in determining the future of this industry in Australia. This paper reports on findings from research investigating the social viability of seafloor mining in Australia. A combination of interviews and focus groups were used to explore industry and community reactions to the possible development of seafloor mining in Australia. Although stakeholders’ reactions were variable, the majority of the participants were reluctant to see development of seafloor mining in Australia, primarily because of concerns about the industry’s potential environmental impact. All stakeholders sought further information about the benefits and costs associated with the industry suggesting that they did not yet have a fixed attitude towards the industry. Stakeholders favoured a precautionary approach towards the industry, supported by rigorous scientific analysis of the potential environmental impacts, transparent and socially responsive management processes and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.

Item ID:	67476
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1872-9460
Copyright Information:	© 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Date Deposited:	01 Aug 2024 02:25
FoR Codes:	37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3708 Oceanography > 370899 Oceanography not elsewhere classified @ 50% 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4410 Sociology > 441002 Environmental sociology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	19 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS > 1902 Environmental policy, legislation and standards > 190203 Environmental education and awareness @ 100%
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