Here's how you can ready yourself for the rising need for sustainable mining practices.

Suelo compartir desde mi experiencia, que el primer paso para hacer una minería segura y socialmente responsable es: – Conocer y entender ¿qué es ESG? – Alinearse a los estándares que establecen. – Seguir los ODG/ODS – Promover la integración de las comunidades. Los proyectos mineros actuales, deben establecer lineamientos conocidos por casos de éxito como por ejemplo los 10 principios mineros que promueve el ICMM. Cada unidad minera, debe tener un liderazgo sustentable y sostenible para llegar a una transición energética de la mano con el ambiente.

An example that i have seen is that a local community can disrupt an operation. To such an extend that entrance and exits had to be altered to maintain safety of employees. Demonstrations by a community was caused by not making use of local expertise. This is a major challenge to overcome by mining groups. Unions can play a role if a forum is set up and managed correctly. Phasing in such a forum needs to be carefully over thought to follow a particular agenda tailored for the situation. It would not be an easy exercise.

ESG is not a new concept, just a new acronym. Mine developments in the NSW coal industry have long considered ESG as part of the approvals process. Environmental impacts have always been front and centre, that's why the first document produced is usual teh EIS (Environmental impact statement). Social - mining companies have alsways understood the importance of working with the local community to maintain an happy workforce. Of course not everybody will be happy, but from my experience the support of local clubs and associations has always gone a long way to being a member of the community. Governance - the law makers have usually ensured that mining companies have sufficent guidance to benefit the who of society.

In today’s mining industry, data is the new gold. By harnessing the power of data, we can track emissions and monitor the use of energy and water in our operations, leading to improvements in efficiency and sustainability. Achieving this requires staying at the forefront of sensors and data processing technology to capture and analyze this information effectively. Addressing our internal operations is only part of the solution. Our growing concerns extend to our suppliers, particularly regarding Scope 3 emissions. To tackle these, it is essential to raise our contractual standards and collaborate with our suppliers. By sharing best practices across the industry and incentivizing those who meet and exceed our sustainability expectations

Very important to miminise the carbon footprints, for logistically challenged operation compare capital investment in green technology compared to logistics cost of fuel and over head cost.

Mining is sometimes labelled as slow to embrace new technology. This is driven by the long term investments required to establish a mine and the long life of equipment. For example, a dragline can have more than 40 years of life. SO once you hve bought it, it would be a challange to park it up for a new methodolgy. WHat you do see is if a new idea comes along and can prove it will work while also producing an economic advantage, it has a high chance of being adopted.

Mining is not sustainable. Doesn't matter the commodity. Eventually you exhaust high grades. And then you delve deeper. If you can't hunt it nor grow it. You have to mine it Seek funding. You drill holes. Ascertain grade. Map structure. Plan Mine. Seek funding Then you drill and blast. Dig up with big excavators. Haul on big trucks to ROM. Wash and concentrate to client specifications. Rail out. Ship... And hopefully you make absolutely 💩 Loads of $$$$

Energy efficiency is another cost driven factor. If the technology can show a postive impact on the profit of an operation, then it would be considered.

Water management is driven by the need to comply with the enviromental conditions of the mining approval. Many years ago, excess water was just released into the local stream/river. WIth zero discharge conditions, mines have to plana and manage their water propoerly.

Recycle as much as you can, true cost of water is in infrustructure depreciation, maintenance and over head. Also, power or fuel consumption cost for the pump. If you have a over flow dam or recycling pond it pays off the investment very quickly.

Every successful entrepreneur I know (and I know quite a few) ... a trait they all share is a willingness to spend their own time and money exploring things and educating themselves, whether that is some formal course, or just attending a trade show that is on the periphery of their (main) business interests!