About FDC
The Foundation for Development Cooperation is an independent, not-for-profit international development organisation. Through alliances and partnerships, FDC undertakes a range of initiatives which seek to improve the lives of poor people in developing countries.
Subscribe
Subscribe to FDC’s mailing list to receive the FDC Briefing Note, and regular updates on events, publications and news.
Donate Now
Help us continue vital work in sustainable development and poverty reduction
Resource Sector
Australia's resource sector companies operate globally, with many of their operations based in developing countries. Because of their scale, financial resources, long-term presence and commercial viability, Australia's resource sector companies often play an extremely important role in addressing localand national-level development challenges as well as having an influence over political and economic security issues in their host economies.
FDC is currently working in developing countries to help maximise the benefits resource sector companies can deliver to communities while at the same time supporting and growing their core business.
FDC's current and recent activities in the resource sector include:
- A multi-year community development program in a developing country in Asia for a greenfield Australian-led mining operation.
- A specialised workshop bringing together international resource sector companies to discuss ways of securing sustainable livelihoods for communities living in the footprints of their activities.
- The development and implementation of customised strategies to improve community livelihoods, using a participatory and grassroots approach, leading to better relationships between local communities and the company.
- Participation in an independent environmental and socio-economic committee overseeing a major developing country mine, taking part in strategic planning and development of sustainable Community Development Plans for local communities.
- Sharing strategies and potential approaches to improve community livelihoods by producing short information releases (i.e. Initiative information mail-outs and briefing notes) distributed across FDC's international network.
- Conceptualisation and development of a private sector-led review, in conjunction with an Australian research organisation, concerning the development impact of Australian mining companies operating overseas.
- Partnership engagement processes coordination between mining-exploration companies and potential development partners for CSR/ Community Development Plans, i.e. local and international NGOs, advisory, bilateral and multilateral organisations, advocacy groups and other professional and governmental institutions. Noting the potential that resource sector companies have for improving lives in developing countries and due to the enhanced contribution that stronger communities can make to mining company operations, FDC is engaging with the resource sector to help maximise benefits for all stakeholders.