Social Licence to Operate (SLO) is becoming an increasingly important part of the day-to-day reality of raw materials projects. Understanding stakeholder perspectives, building meaningful engagement and navigating relationships between industry and local communities require not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical experience.

The PRO-SLO School was established to bring these challenges into education by combining academic learning, industry mentoring and work on real-world SLO case studies. Across its first two editions, participants from different countries and academic backgrounds had the opportunity to explore social and stakeholder challenges connected to mining operations in Vareš, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Kassandra Mines in Greece.

Following the successful delivery of these two editions, the PRO-SLO School is now entering its next stage. Future editions will expand participation to advanced Master’s students alongside PhD candidates, introducing SLO concepts and practices earlier in the education and development of future raw materials professionals.

The next PRO-SLO School is planned to begin in the Summer Semester 2027 and will be hosted by Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria. The programme will continue to combine academic learning with industry input and engagement with real-world SLO challenges.

This development also complements the work of the RM SLO Plus Hub. While the PRO-SLO School focuses on developing SLO knowledge and skills among the next generation entering the raw materials sector, the Hub provides opportunities to strengthen and exchange SLO knowledge and practice across the wider raw materials community.

Together, the two initiatives contribute to building SLO capacity across different stages of learning, professional development and practice, supporting a stronger understanding of stakeholder engagement and social aspects of the raw materials sector.