Page 47 - Vol 33 Issue 34 2021

ESG Compliance mining

cor po rate strategy, which will have an impact intertwined. As a result, issues of sustainability, opportunities to create value. For example, a
on every facet of the business. This includes labour and environmental impact can no project that establishes a renewable energy
organisational culture, risk management, longer be considered in isolation. Operationally facility will not only ensure a reliable supply for
stakeholder engagement and portfolio planning. speaking, compliance efforts in a mine are operations, but also an opportunity to offset the
Commitment to ESG compliance is no longer dictated by a variety of environmental and social mine’s carbon tax liability.
optional. It is critical to address the breakdown development obligations and duties towards the From a social perspective, ESG compliance is
of trust between mining companies, workers wellbeing of their employees while they are at the only way mining companies are going to win
and the surrounding communities, as well as to work. This requires clear social and labour plans back the trust of the people. A solid commitment
guarantee the responsible sourcing of metals and that ensure fair labour practices and safe working to ESG is irrefutable if the company considers the
minerals from the earth. Furthermore, it will only conditions. There are also duties toward the well-being of workers, while contributing to the
be possible to drive policy reform and ultimately labour-sending and surrounding communities, development of the local economies. This must
decarbonise the economy if approached through particularly when it comes to a mine’s end of life. be demonstrated in the way the mining company
the lens of ESG compliance. operates and obtains its supplies, sources its
employees and equipment. Healthy workers,
Considering the Compliance requires productive communities and cleaner operations
collaboration
all add up to increased competitiveness, in
impact ESG compliance is not something that mining a manner that minimises harmful impact on

How mining companies achieve these goals companies need to tackle on their own. With the people, planet and profit.
will depend on how well equipped they are to help of a compliance services partner, it is possible The author is the Managing Director at
navigate, appreciate, report on and identify for mining houses to unlock the true value of ESG Economic Development Solutions
opportunities within these frameworks to affect through detailed, holistic mapping of the ESG
positive change. In respect of mining operations, compliance obligations affecting the mine and its
compliance is multi-faceted and the associated complete value chain. With a clear understanding
obligations under environmental, social, and of the obligations informing the operations’ daily
business governance pillars are inextricably requirements, it becomes possible to identify

Environmentally and socially

we are at the heart of mining

We are mining solutions
architects with a specialist

capability in environmental
management, mine closure
planning and execution.

www.ukwazi.com

AFRICAN POWER Mining & Oil Review Vol33 Issue 34 2021 | 47