• Share

SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

With our strong focus on sustainable development there is great potential for ICMM to support the mining and metals industry in making an important and lasting contribution towards the UN’s global goals. We work with members and partners to catalyse lasting social and economic progress that supports an end to poverty, protects the planet and ensures prosperity for all.

SDG9 calls for quality, reliable and sustainable infrastructure that is universally available – through the development of new infrastructure as well as the retrofitting of existing, poorly-performing existing infrastructure. 

Investments in transport, water, energy and information and communication technology are essential to achieving sustainable development and empowering communities. Growth in productivity and incomes and improvements in health and education depend on investing in such infrastructure. In addition, inclusive and sustainable industrial development will be essential to increasing employment and sustainable increases in living standards for all people. Without technology and innovation with an emphasis on sustainability (in terms of carbon, water and materials intensity), more sustainable industrialisation will not happen, and without industrialisation, sustainable development progress will not be achieved.

How is this relevant to mining and metals?

Mining requires significant infrastructure investments to develop, operate and export mined products. Especially where mining takes place in remote areas, there may be a need for significant investments in infrastructure. Shared use infrastructure, especially in countries with a large infrastructure financing gap, represents a significant opportunity for mining to expand access to critical services.

What companies need to know to manage impacts or make a positive contribution

  1. The status of infrastructure provision in host countries and planned investments by government, so that infrastructure requirements to support investment can be determined.

  2. How planned investments in infrastructure can be made more sustainable and help deliver value for the company and for society.

  3. How mining-related infrastructure can be part of creating a positive legacy post-closure.

Minimising negative impacts

Maximising positive contributions

  • Design infrastructure investments to minimise adverse environmental, social or economic impacts.
  • Engage early with other users of existing infrastructure to minimise negative impacts and enable shared usage.
  • Ensure planned infrastructure investments align with national development plans where possible.

  • Proactively develop new infrastructure in ways that benefit multiple users beyond the company.

  • Work collectively with other partners on infrastructure investments to support regional and national development.

  • Work collectively with other companies to support more sustainable innovation or value addition where appropriate.