ABSTRACT

Sand is the most heavily extracted resource in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), and its mining has caused growing community concern. Consequently, mining companies are recognising the need to obtain both a Social Licence to Operate (SLO) and a Legal Licence to Operate (LLO). Our study applied an SLO scale and an integrative model to assess influencing factors, gathering data from 163 participants, including scientists, officials, and local residents. Our findings show that river sand mining currently holds an Acceptable SLO level (2.51 ± 0.88 on a four-point scale), notably below the global average, indicating significant room for improved social engagement and trust-building. The results also underscore the need for strong community engagement, active government participation, and sustainable practices to strengthen community trust. A strong SLO enhances social relations, builds stakeholder trust, and increases community support, helping mining companies promote sustainable sand extraction in the VMD.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09614524.2026.2661038