Often in the news for the wrong reasons, the mining sector generally faces a chilly reception in the court of public opinion. Its historical environmental legacy, for instance, has won it few friends and has led many communities to actively oppose any prospect of mining activity.
Times have changed, however. More than ever before, the mining sector today complies with many and more stringent laws governing environmental and social sustainability Beyond such compliance; however, mining companies are giving back to people and the environment in ways that the public seldom sees. As independent consultants who spend considerable time in the mining sector, we see and indeed are engaged in a number of examples where mining companies are driving good sustainability practice towards creating positive impacts for the environment, the economy, society and governments.
This innovation improves not just the industry’s direct environmental and social impact but extends as far as promoting better governance in many countries while generating skills and revenue that feed the broader economy. Through its global associations like the International Council of Mining and Metals (lCMM), the sector is constantly raising the bar for responsible practices.
