The Spanish newspaper La Nueva Crónica has published an article analysing how the National Cluster for Sustainable Mining (ISMC) is contributing to shaping a new narrative for the mining sector based on transparency, innovation and dialogue with society.

Coinciding with 4 December, the celebration of Saint Barbara’s Day, the patron saint of miners, the article reflects on the role that mining plays today in a context marked by the energy transition and Europe’s growing demand for critical and strategic raw materials.

Minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential for manufacturing batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines and electronic devices. Ensuring a secure, sustainable and responsible supply of these resources has therefore become a strategic priority for Europe.

In this scenario, the ISMC, with headquarters in León and Seville, has established itself as a key actor in promoting a modern and innovative mining sector that is aligned with society’s expectations.

Social Licence to Operate: a key factor for the future of mining

One of the concepts that is redefining extractive activities is the Social Licence to Operate (SLO), which refers to the level of acceptance and trust that society grants to a mining project.

Today, complying with environmental regulations or demonstrating technical feasibility is no longer sufficient. Communities increasingly demand clear information, meaningful participation in decision-making processes and strong guarantees regarding the impact of mining activities on the environment, employment and quality of life.

Without social trust, any project begins at a disadvantage. With it, however, mining initiatives can become an opportunity for shared development between industry and local communities.

As explained by Santiago Cuesta López, Director General of ISMC:

“Modern mining cannot function without trust. Communities must feel that they are part of the process. Listening, engaging in dialogue and acting with transparency are no longer optional – they are the foundation of any project with a future.”

ISMC: a bridge between science, industry, institutions and society

The Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster brings together more than 100 members, including companies, universities, technology centres and public administrations, with a shared goal: to promote a responsible, innovative and socially accepted model of mining.

A key part of the cluster’s work is addressing social acceptance through a scientific and participatory approach.

In this context, the European project RM SLO PLUS Hub, funded by EIT RawMaterials, plays a particularly relevant role. The initiative develops tools to assess the social impact of mining projects, complementing traditional environmental impact assessments.

At the same time, the cluster promotes:

• dialogue spaces with local communities

• educational initiatives to bring modern mining closer to society

• transparency mechanisms based on verifiable data

All these initiatives are built on a clear premise: mining can only move forward if it is constructively integrated into the territories where it operates.

Mining regions and the energy transition: an opportunity for Europe

The growing need for critical raw materials to support Europe’s green and digital transitions is redefining the role of mining and opening new opportunities for regions with a long extractive tradition.

In this context, mining regions in north-western Spain, particularly León, hold a strategic position thanks to their historical experience, technical knowledge and industrial ecosystem.

Through its activities, ISMC works to demonstrate that competitive, technologically advanced and environmentally responsible mining is not only possible but essential for ensuring the sustainable supply of raw materials in Europe.

This model can generate local employment, attract investment and strengthen Europe’s industrial autonomy, while contributing to the sustainable development of mining regions.

Giving a voice to mining regions in European raw materials policy

Mining regions are also gaining increasing relevance in the European policy debate on raw materials.

Recently, Santiago Cuesta López, Director General of ISMC, participated in a high-level dialogue at the European Commission, where he highlighted the importance of incorporating the territorial perspective into European strategies related to raw materials.

During the discussion, he emphasised that:

“Mining regions must be heard. No European strategy will succeed unless it is built from the ground up, with communities as protagonists. Social acceptance is built within the territory and consolidated within the territory.”

A future for mining based on dialogue, innovation and sustainability

Mining in the 21st century is no longer defined solely by the extraction of resources, but by its ability to generate shared value between industry, territory and society.

Concepts such as social dialogue, transparency, technological innovation and environmental sustainability are becoming essential pillars for the development of the sector.

In regions with a strong mining tradition such as León, these developments represent an opportunity to redefine the role of mining in the future economy, combining innovation, knowledge and social responsibility.