Stakeholder Newsletter: February 2023
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Dear friends
The only right way to get to a just energy transition is by bringing everyone along.
At the Mining Indaba and the Alternative Mining Indaba in Cape Town earlier this month, the principles of a just transition were emphasised by the prominence of voices from the global South, and the focus on sustainable development in the conversation.
Conversations about how mining impacts communities both positively and negatively, about how the economic impact of mining can best benefit citizens and about how greater diversity in mining should be actioned were more pronounced than ever.
I also noticed this at the Future Minerals Summit in Riyadh. These gatherings were anchored in parts of the world where the perspectives of citizens and communities have not been as prominent in the global mining conversation so far.
But change is afoot, and this has left me optimistic.
Elevating the interests of those voices usually at the margin reinforces the importance of ICMM's work to lead through collaboration to enhance the contribution of mining and metals to our world. Quite simply, it’s in everyone's interests to ensure that this new wave of mining investment benefits people, local economies and the planet.
In the spirit of a more inclusive energy transition, I asked three ICMM members on stage at the Mining Indaba what it would take to make the industry more diverse and equitable. Their answers were strikingly straightforward. You can read more on that conversation here.
I was proud to stand alongside investor abrdn this month in underlining the importance of employee wellbeing in our industry. As I’ve said before, discrimination, harassment, and assault have no place in mining, or anywhere else in society, and that change starts with us. We appreciated the call to collaborate on such a critical issue. You can read abrdn statement and our support for it here.
Warmly,
Ro
Blog: We need more honest conversations about improving diversity, equity and inclusion in mining
What will it take to make the mining industry truly diverse, equitable and inclusive?
ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dhawan posed this question to leaders from three ICMM member companies at Mining Indaba and their answers were simple: we need to stare reality in the face, acknowledge the role that we as current leaders have played in not prioritising change fast enough, and take bold steps to change that reality for the better.
Read Ro’s blog reflecting on the conversation here.
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ICMM supports abrdn statement to help improve approaches to employee wellbeing
Leading investor group abrdn has published a statement calling for constructive dialogue and engagement with mining companies to improve employee safety and wellbeing. Highlighted are the positive steps already being taken by the industry, including the expansion of existing health and safety mechanisms, links to remuneration and monitoring and reporting of psychological wellbeing.
The statement has been endorsed by ICMM and eight member companies: Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, BHP, Codelco, Gold Fields, Rio Tinto, South32 and Vale.
Rohitesh Dhawan said: "We welcome investor support for the actions we are taking and the work yet to be done to build psychologically safe and truly diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces in the mining industry.”
Upcoming Events
SME Annual Conference and Expo
Denver, Colorado • 27 February, 08:30 GMT -7
ICMM COO Aidan Davy will discuss ESG issues and measuring performance from the perspectives of the mining, investment, and insurance communities, and about ICMM’s work on tailings management, through GISTM and our Tailings Innovation Roadmap. Register here.
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BMO 32nd Global Metals, Mining and Critical Minerals Conference
Hollywood, Florida • 27 February, 07:40 EST
Rohitesh Dhawan will be opening the conference with keynote speech about the critical sustainability challenges and opportunities for the industry. Find out more about the conference here.
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PDAC 2023
Toronto, Canada • 5-8 March
Rohitesh Dhawan will be at PDAC participating in the International Mines Minister Summit and speaking at sessions ranging from the mining’s role in the energy transition, diversity, equity and inclusion and the impact of ESG ratings on investment decisions. See PDAC’s full schedule here.
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The Economist 8th Annual Sustainability Week
London, UK, and virtual • 31 March, 15:50 BST
How are heavy-emitting sectors tackling emissions reduction? How much can businesses do themselves, and what do they need from other stakeholders? Join Rohitesh Dhawan, Teck’s Sepanta Dorri, Volvo’s Karin Svensson, Balfour Beatty’s Joanna Gilroy and BRANDi and Companies Piyachart Isarabhakdee for this panel session. Register here.
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FT Future of the Car Summit
London, UK, and virtual • 9 - 11 May
The supply chain chaos of the last few years has highlighted the fragility of global trade networks. Rohitesh Dhawan will discuss mining and metals’ role in building secure and reliable supply chains to help facilitate the transition to zero emission vehicles. Register here.
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Innovation Zero
London, UK • 25 May, 12:15 - 13:00 GMT
Rohitesh Dhawan will share how the mining and metals industry is helping with the decarbonising of the automotive supply chain. Register here.