Having just emerged from two years of the global COVID-l 9 pandemic, and in wake of the beginnings of the ripple effects of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Mining Industry is bracing itself for yet another tough year. Ahead of Investing in African Mining Indaba 2022, industry thought leaders share their opinions with African Mining on where the industry is at right now, and where mining will take Africa in the coming year.
Emerging from two tumultuous years for the global economy, the mining sector in
Africa has been among the better performers in terms of managing environmental,
social and governance (ESG) risk — demonstrating a strong outlook for how it will
meet the range of increasing ESG demands in future.
Recent years have certainly seen significant progress in the evolution and implementation of ESG policies and systems within mining companies. These Have been put in place in response to rising expectations from stakeholders - who include players as diverse as national lawmakers, local communities, NGOs and financial institutions.
Issues of concern include both environmental and social impact including biodiversity, water resoiurces, human rights and carbon footprint. Investors are progressively committing to net zero emission portfollios by 2050 or sooner, placing pressure on mines to transition away from carbon-based energy sources.
