Introduction

Ethics and morals are principles of behavior that are derived from ancient times. Today's complex world inserts ambiguities into a professional's desire to behave ethically.

This course provides a firm understanding and basis for engineers, geologists, managers, and operators in exploration and mining to behave ethically. The course begins with definitions of ethics and an explanation of the importance of ethical behavior, including a discussion of written codes of ethical behavior; gives a historical basis; then moves to a discussion of ambiguities in ethics along with systems that enhance compliance; discusses whistle-blowing and its consequences; and, finally, presents some well-known mine failure examples in terms of their ethical lapses. Examples of ethical and regulatory codes and real-world failures are drawn from multiple jurisdictions.

Note: This course focuses on codes used by professional organizations and societies in the United States and Canada. The ethics principles covered in the course are universal.

This course is targeted to professionals who work in mineral exploration, in particular: licensed professional engineers, geologists, program designers, and operational managers. Upon completing this course, diligent learners will be able to perform their job in an ethical manner. This implies the learner has the knowledge base to perform the job, take responsibility for their performance, and knowingly avoid doing harm to others. Successful completion of the course means the learner will know of the ethical and regulatory codes appropriate to their position.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define ethical behavior.
2. Discuss the history of ethical codes.
3. Identify relevant ethical and regulatory codes relevant to job performance, and relevant ethical dilemmas in mining.
4. Describe conditions for whistle-blowing and its consequences.

Duration: 6 Hours

Category: Leadership

Level: Introductory