"It shouldn't look aggressive": How conceptions about publics shape the development of mining exploration...

Area of Science:

• Science and Technology Studies
• Mining Engineering
• Sociology of Technology

Background:

• Industrial-scale mining is a high-tech sector transforming regions through massive infrastructure.
• The public's relationship with mining is increasingly relevant, yet the role of technology in this interaction is under-researched.
• Understanding public engagement is crucial for sustainable mining technology development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how technoscientific actors build public relationships in mining technology development.
• To reveal public conceptualizations by technology developers within European Union research programs.
• To analyze how these conceptualizations influence technology development projects.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of a European Union Horizon 2020 research program.
• Qualitative examination of how technology developers conceptualize "the public".
• Analysis of the interplay between public conceptions and technology development processes.

Main Results:

• Technology developers assume certain public characteristics are either stable or variable.
• Stable perceived public traits lead to technology adjustments to align with an imagined public.
• Variable perceived public traits do not alter technology but influence communication strategy selection.

Conclusions:

• The conceptualization of the public by technology developers is a key factor in shaping public engagement strategies.
• Divergent views on public characteristics (stable vs. variable) lead to distinct approaches in technology development and communication.
• Further research is needed to explore the implications of these conceptualizations for inclusive and responsible mining innovation.