Global Public Opinion Insights
Mining’s societal reputation is improving, but the sector continues to face significant challenges. Explore GlobeScan’s latest insights from 34 markets on how public perceptions of mining are changing.
Mining’s Societal Reputation Is Improving, but It Still Trails Other Sectors
The 2026 findings point to a notable shift in how the public views the mining sector. While longstanding reputational challenges remain, perceptions are moving in a more positive direction, alongside signs that some of the criticisms traditionally associated with the industry are beginning to soften.
However, progress is uneven. Views of mining continue to vary substantially across markets and generations, highlighting both the opportunity for the sector to build on recent momentum and the importance of understanding the different factors shaping its reputation around the world.
Key Highlights:
- Mining’s societal reputation is improving, but significant challenges remain. Across 17 tracked markets, net perceived social performance has risen from -16 in 2023 to +1 in 2026. Despite this improvement, the mining sector still ranks last among 25 sectors assessed across 34 markets.
- Environmental criticism is softening. Among people with negative perceptions of mining, 51% cite environmental damage, down from 61% in 2023. Concerns about excessive resource use and climate change have also declined.
- Jobs and the green transition remain important drivers of positive perceptions. Across 34 markets, 39% cite job creation as a reason for viewing mining positively, while 34% point to the minerals and metals needed for a more environmentally friendly future.
- Perceptions vary significantly by market. Australia stands out, with mining’s net societal performance score rising from -12 in 2024 to +21 in 2026, while perceptions remain net negative across all surveyed European markets, Canada and the USA.
- Younger generations are more positive about mining. The sector records a net societal performance score of +16 among Gen Z compared with -12 among Baby Boomers and older people, although mining continues to trail other sectors across every generation.
