# Combatting Corruption in Mining Approvals: Assessing the Risks in 18 Resource-Rich Countries URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/combatting-corruption-in-mining-approvals Type: Publication or report Published: 2017-12-05 Updated: 2020-05-13 --- 05 December 2017 Transparent and accountable mining can contribute to sustainable development. This begins with corruption-free approvals – the very first link in the mining value chain when decisions are made about whether, where, and under what circumstances to permit mining, including who is awarded licences or contracts. Transparency International has assessed the risks that can lead to corruption in 18 resource-rich countries to identify the warning signals as early as possible. This report demonstrates where and how corruption can get a foothold in mining approvals processes before ground is even broken. It presents examples from a range of diverse countries and identities important roles for government, the mining industry and civil society to identify, prevent and mitigate these risks. Check out our related [Mining awards corruption risk assessment tool](https://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/mining_awards_corruption_risk_assessment_tool) Below are case studies of *Combatting corruption in mining approvals* on the following subjects: \- How accountable are companies for their environmental and social impacts? (Accountability) \- How meaningful is community consultation? (Community) \- Weaknesses in the licensing process (Licensing Process) \- Who gets the right to mine? (Right to Mine) \- Who benefits from mining approval decisions? (Revolving Doors) \- How ethical and fair is the process for opening land to mining? (Open Land) You can also download a Global Snapshot on corruption risks in mining approvals. ## Additional downloads - [Download '2017 Combatting Corruption In Mining Approvals Case Study Revolving Doors' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/2017_CombattingCorruptionInMiningApprovals_CaseStudy_RevolvingDoors.pdf) ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Closing the Gaps: Detecting and investigating corrupt money flows in the Middle East and North Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/closing-the-gaps-middle-east-and-north-africa) Publication • 13 May 2026 Corruption and illicit financial flows remain serious and ongoing challenges across the Middle East and North Africa. ## [High Integrity Talks: How COP31 Presidency can set a new standard for climate leadership](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/high-integrity-talks) Publication • 11 May 2026 How COP31 Presidency can set a new standard for climate leadership ## Priorities - [Extractive industries](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/extractive-industries) ## Countries - [Armenia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/armenia) - [Australia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/australia) - [Cambodia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/cambodia) - [Canada](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/canada) - [Chile](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/chile) - [Colombia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/colombia) - [Democratic Republic of the Congo](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/democratic-republic-of-the-congo) - [Guatemala](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/guatemala) - [Indonesia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/indonesia) - [Kenya](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/kenya) - [Liberia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/liberia) - [Mongolia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/mongolia) - [Papua New Guinea](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/papua-new-guinea) - [Peru](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/peru) - [Sierra Leone](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/sierra-leone) - [South Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/south-africa) - [Zambia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/zambia) - [Zimbabwe](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/zimbabwe) ## Projects - [Accountable mining](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/accountable-mining) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2017_mining_report.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2017_CombattingCorruptionInMiningApprovals_EN.pdf)