Investigating the mining sector’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals in South America

Abstract The mining sector in South America has demonstrated growing interest in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the sector’s significant economic role, pressing sustainability challenges, and the approaching 2030 deadline, it is urgent to assess its progress toward the SDGs and to realign short-term actions accordingly. This research analyzes how the mining sector in the region is incorporating the SDGs into its practices. To this end, 110 sustainability reports from 2018 to 2022 were examined, covering 41 mining sites operated by 17 companies included in the most recent Responsible Mining Index (RMI). Using content analysis and a semi-quantitative approach, the reported practices and indicators were assessed based on their alignment with the SDGs and the evolution of their impacts over time. Results show a strong emphasis on economic-related SDGs, followed by environmental, and then social goals. SDGs 6, 8, 4, and 13 are the most frequently addressed, whereas SDGs 2, 14, and 16 receive the least attention. After 2020, SDG adoption declined, shifting from comprehensive to more fragmented engagement. Implementing robust indicators and measuring impact remain key challenges. Nonetheless, some positive developments were identified, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased social investment. Modest improvements were also evidenced in female workforce participation and the inclusion of employees with disabilities. Negative trends were observed in waste generation, as well as in water and energy consumption. These findings underscore the need for the South American mining sector to strengthen both its commitment to the SDGs and the robustness of its reporting mechanisms.