Developing a Crisis Communication Model for the Mining Industry

Abstract

The mining industry is highly crisis-prone due to its reliance on high-risk technologies, environmentally sensitive locations, and complex stakeholder relationships. While prior studies have examined crisis management and safety regulations, limited research has developed sector-specific crisis communication models that integrate preparedness, stakeholder engagement, and technological adaptation. This study addresses this gap by proposing a comprehensive crisis communication model for the mining sector, utilizing a case study of a mining company in Indonesia. The research aims to explore the roles and effectiveness of existing crisis communication strategies and to formulate an industry-specific model that enhances organizational preparedness and responsiveness. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, incorporating observations, semi-structured interviews with corporate, governmental, community, and academic stakeholders, as well as document analysis of regulatory, media, and corporate sources. Findings reveal that transparency, proactive disclosure, stakeholder dialogue, preparedness training, and integration of digital monitoring systems consistently improved outcomes by reducing conflict escalation and restoring trust. Conversely, delayed, defensive, and one-way communication strategies tended to exacerbate distrust and prolong crises. Building on these insights, the study proposes a hybrid communication model structured around four cyclical stages: anticipation (monitoring and simulations), engagement (multi-stakeholder dialogue), communication (transparent and empathetic narratives supported by credible data), and adaptation (post-crisis learning). The study contributes theoretically by integrating Situational Crisis Communication Theory with Stakeholder Theory, and practically by offering a contextually relevant framework for mining companies to institutionalize preparedness, inclusivity, and responsibility in crisis communication.