Author: Gabriele

The principles of good ESG are not new and not unique to the mining industry. But most industries also don’t come under the same scrutiny as mining. After all, from vehicle emissions to environmental disruption, mining does leave quite a literal impression on the landscape and communities near it. As a result, the industry needs to think about how it can be more sustainable and build better connections with the communities and governments it works with. It is also useful to take a look at some existing ESG initiatives practiced in the industry to see what can be expanded and improved.

Mining projects often face opposition from communities that live in or near mining sites due to concerns about environmental dangers and other effects the site might have on their community. To mitigate these often valid concerns, mining companies need to engage with local communities to build trust, establish meaningful, reciprocity relationships, and ensure that mining projects are built and operated in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Mines exist where there are metals and minerals, this is a simple truth. So it’s no surprise that there are mining operations all over the globe, including in developing countries. In fact, the developing world actually has the majority of certain mineral and metal reserves globally. Take lithium, for example. Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile alone hold around 60% of the world’s reserves. This metal will be important later. In general, the developing world has a lot to gain from extracting these valuable metals, but there are a series of unique challenges ahead. So what are the challenges of future mining in the developing world, and do they counteract the opportunities?

Mining has a reputation for being a boys club, a reputation it, unfortunately, has done very little to prevent. Women are underrepresented in all areas of the industry and consist of roughly 10% of the global mining workforce. As of writing this text, there are no female mining CEOs. As the industry goes forward, it needs to adapt to the future. Some studies show that diverse workplaces are more efficient and innovative. The ‘boys club’ reputation might also drive away skilled, female specialists who could have many positive contributions to a company.

The global pandemic that started in 2020 (or 2019, technically) has left its scars on the worldwide economy. While the 2022 war in Ukraine is the focus of a lot of current research, it’s worth exploring exactly how the pandemic affected the dynamics and operations of mining companies around the world. There are some lasting effects, from the ‘aftershocks’ of price fluctuations to more unpredictable demand and disrupted supply chains. While Covid 19 might be an anomaly and not likely to repeat itself, it’s impossible to predict the future and companies would be wise to have some plans in place should a similar disruption strike again.

Mining has been an essential industry for centuries, providing the resources needed to fuel everything from construction and transportation to electronics and energy production. However, traditional mining practices have often been criticized for their negative environmental and social impacts. In recent years, there has been a growing push for the mining industry to adopt more sustainable practices that minimize harm to the planet and its people. At the same time, technological advancements are revolutionizing the way mining is conducted, allowing for greater efficiency, safety, and precision. In this blog post, we will explore the future of mining and how new technologies and sustainability practices are shaping the industry’s evolution.

As the world increasingly grapples with the impacts of climate change, the mining industry has found itself under scrutiny for its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Mining CEOs, in particular, have a crucial role in addressing the industry’s carbon footprint and mitigating climate risks. Decarbonization and climate action have become crucial considerations for companies operating in the sector, as stakeholders, investors, and regulators demand more sustainable practices. In this blog post, we explore what every mining CEO should know about decarbonization and climate risks, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for sustainable innovation in the industry.

The use of AI in mining has revolutionized the way that companies approach everything from exploration and extraction to processing and transportation. This technology has made it possible to gather and analyze vast amounts of data in real time, allowing for faster and more accurate decision-making. From autonomous vehicles to predictive maintenance systems, AI has enabled mining companies to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing risk and environmental impact.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the negative effects of dust pollution on our health and the environment. Dust pollution is a serious issue that can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and even lung cancer. Traditional manufacturing methods have been known to contribute significantly to dust pollution levels, but with the rise of smart manufacturing, we have the opportunity to reduce these levels and create a healthier environment. In this post, we will explore how smart manufacturing can lower dust pollution levels and improve our quality of life.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, the need for sustainable and renewable energy sources has never been more pressing. Among the various alternatives, electrification has emerged as a promising solution for decarbonizing transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been hampered by the limitations of existing battery technology, which often relies on expensive, scarce, and environmentally harmful materials. This is where Fortescue’s new zero-emission battery systems come in. In this blog post, we will explore the potential of zero-emission battery systems to transform electrification and enable a sustainable, low-carbon future.