SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

There is an expectation that the private sector can and should play a significant role in promoting and supporting the delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This SDG calls for sustained income growth that benefits the bottom 40 per cent of the population, alongside the economic empowerment of all—regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic or other status.

While mining has helped reduce poverty in many regions, inequality remains a persistent challenge in resource-dependent economies. Companies can support inclusion by hiring locally, promoting livelihood diversification, and engaging communities equitably. Transparent decision-making and participatory approaches are essential to building trust and addressing disparities.

What companies need to know to manage impacts or make a positive contribution
Existing levels of inequality within host countries and the main factors that influence inequality. What policies or initiatives exist to reduce inequality and how the company might usefully play a supportive role. How the company’s own presence risks exacerbating inequality and what steps can be taken to mitigate this.
Minimising negative impacts	Maximising positive contributions
Establish baseline statistics on inequality before commencing operations, and update periodically (e.g. through household surveys). Be sensitive to disparities between mining wages and local wages and how this might exacerbate inequality. Target marginalised groups who might otherwise be excluded from local economic benefits with training and recruitment opportunities.	Work with other partners to actively target investments, procurement, employment and training opportunities within marginalised populations. Encourage participatory budgeting within local communities, both for corporate social investments and for mining revenues. Target marginalised groups who might otherwise be excluded with local procurement opportunities.