Supervisor

Martha Gilheaney

Programme

MA in International Business

Keywords

Trust, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Trust

Abstract

This dissertation explores trust and stakeholder engagement in the case of the Oyu Tolgoi Mine in Mongolia. It focuses on the relationship between the mine and local communities, especially in terms of trust, fairness and long-term social licence to operate. While mining can support economic growth, jobs and investment, it can also create environmental concerns, social tension and conflict when local communities feel ignored or unfairly treated.

The study asks two main questions: what factors have contributed to trust challenges between Oyu Tolgoi and local communities, and how stakeholder engagement can help strengthen long-term social licence to operate.  The research used a qualitative case study approach. Primary data was collected through an open-ended online questionnaire with 32 responses, and secondary data came from academic sources, reports and legal documents.

The findings show that trust is mainly affected by environmental concerns, lack of transparency, weak communication, limited participation and unfair benefit-sharing. Many respondents felt that local communities do not have enough real influence and often carry more risks than rewards. The study concludes that trust cannot be built through legal compliance alone. It depends on fairness, openness, meaningful engagement and visible action over time.

Date of Award

2026

Full Publication Date

2026

Access Rights

open access

Document Type

Capstone Project

Resource Type

thesis

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.63227/652.299.173

Download

Included in

Business Commons

Share

COinS