Social licence to operate
ESG & GovernanceThe ongoing acceptance of a company or project by local communities and other stakeholders, beyond its legal permits.
A social licence is earned through fair treatment, honest engagement and shared benefits, and lost through pollution, unfair land deals or broken promises. When it is lost, projects face protests, court cases and closure orders. India's Sterlite Copper plant, shut since 2018, is a clear example.
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