IWIM’s Post

The energy transition is driving an insatiable demand for critical minerals, unearthing the imperative for #mining practices that respect Indigenous rights and secure social licenses. At the 7th Annual FNMPC Conference, experts pointed to significant industry challenges such as trust deficits, financial access, and regulatory instability that need to be addressed to begin bridging this gap. Mark Cutifani, Chair, Vale Base Metals, emphasized the need for a new approach to mining that fairly involves local communities; “as a society, and as an industry, I think we really have underestimated and not been [equitable] in our dealing with local communities…and this is why #FPIC is important to balance the power dynamic in this conversation.” Indigenous leaders looked at both global and domestic examples of success to advocate for incorporating their values into projects through legacy building, #equity participation, and leadership roles, aiming for self-governance and community-driven legal reforms. The call for deeper industry collaboration with Indigenous peoples underscores the path forward for sustainable development. “As industry, you [now] have an opportunity to help address some of these critical issues that are impacting the community and help build a healthier First Nation as a result.” – Chief Jennifer C. Constant, CIL, Ogimaa Kwe (Mattagami First Nation) For further information on the work of the FNMPC related to critical minerals - https://lnkd.in/eE4Wmn78 #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #IndigenousLeadership

The #UK govenment's response to the Task and Finish Group’s report on #industry resilience for #criticalminerals highlights its commitments to secure, process and support security, diversification and ESG strategies to the industries and organizations working on energy transformation. 1-Consider new supportive policy proposals recognising the UK is a strategic location for midstream processing. 2-Continue working with industries to support supply resilience and diversification.  3-Continue to build #internationaltrade and partnerships to support supply security.  4-Continue to work with businesses and international partners to tackle the myriad #environmental, #social and #governance risks in #criticalmineral #supplychains. Hallgarten + Company and Harrington Blue & Partners provide comprehensive analysis, industry know how and support, strategic assessments of international players and their positioning in the current #criticalminerals supply map and overall assistance to international #trade organizations looking for strategic positioning, alignment and innovative approach to the many opportunities this commitment involves. https://lnkd.in/gJJ4B5gy Hallgarten + Company Christopher Ecclestone Susana Ecclestone Harrington Blue & Partners Juan Francisco Dávila y Verdin, FRSA Gonzalo Pereyra de Olazabal Melissa Sanderson Caroline Messecar Fastmarkets Financial Times Nusrat Ghani MP Juan Cabrera The Natural Resources Forum Women In Mining UK (WIM UK) MiningNews.net Jack Farchy Bloomberg Bloomberg News Mining Pundits GlobalData Plc Alexis Ohanian Sr.

Sweden Joins the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance: A Step Towards a Greener Future Exciting news! Sweden has joined the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance (SCMA), alongside heavyweights like Canada, US, and Australia. This is a major step forward in ensuring responsible and sustainable practices in the global mining industry. The SCMA's focus on human rights, environmental protection, and community well-being aligns perfectly with the growing demand for ethical and sustainable sourcing. Learn more about the SCMA and its initiatives: https://shorturl.at/mTfzV What do you think about this development? How can the mining industry further accelerate its sustainability journey? Comment below. #SustainableMining #CriticalMinerals #SCMA #MiningIndustry #ESG #Sustainability #Environment #SocialResponsibility #NTWIST

🌏 This is Good News: EU and Australia Forge Critical Minerals Partnership 🌏 Today, the European Union & Australia signed an MoU to establish a strategic partnership focused on critical and strategic minerals. There are MANY critical minerals MoUs being announced at the moment, focusing on advancing towards net-zero economies by 2050. What I appreciate about this MoU is the focus on ethical supply chains and responsible mining. However, I believe there is still an opportunity to address a key issue that is critical for securing assets and benefits for all. 🔍 Responsible Mining Focus: Transparency: Strengthening supply chain transparency and promoting high ESG standards are central to this partnership. Governance: Aligning international mineral pricing with ESG standards ensures fair and competitive markets. Community Impact: Despite the promising objectives, there's a notable lack of focus on the impacted communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. Effective governance should include their voices to avoid exacerbating inequalities. 🤝 🎉 As an Aussie in Europe, the MoU is excellent news. We have a lot of strengths to share with each other. #ResponsibleMining #CriticalMinerals #ESG #CommunityEngagement #Mining #Australia #EuropeanUnion https://lnkd.in/g74j8jxH

Five Mineral Markets to Watch in 2024 With a focus on sustainable and equitable extraction, COP28 highlighted the pivotal role of critical minerals in securing clean energy supplies and transition value chains. In line with these advancements – which sees global demand more than doubling by 2030 – mineral-rich African countries are strengthening their regulatory frameworks and introducing new incentives to attract mining-focused in... Read more on the link below https://lnkd.in/epZ8Rksz

Thought provoking week at the IGFMining AGM In Geneva. A few key take aways from my perspective: - The need for mining feasibility studies to accurately reflect the true cost and resources required to responsibly address social, local economic and land access matters. - The large scope and importance of industrial minerals in emerging economies. - The opportunities posed by new technologies to reskill workers and integrate partnerships with national and multinational companies with entrepreneurs in mining host communities (thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this panel). - How women’s voices are increasingly being heard globally to influence policy and practices in social and environmental issues in mining host communities. Ege Tekinbas Elena Cornaro Tracey Cooper Isabelle Ramdoo Ashleigh Maritz Hans van 't Spijker #gendereqaulity #miningcommunities #skillsdevelopment

Whether it be more goat track or global superhighway, the road to net zero certainly does run through the Australian resources industry (with acknowledgements to the Australian Prime Minister and Minister for Resources). But it does not do so exclusively. Applauding the success of standalone projects as they (slowly) reach FID is no longer enough. Systemic industry development is required. The genesis for the article below was twofold – first, a project for an inbound investor seeking investment in and offtake from Australian critical minerals projects, where the long list of potential projects quickly became very short; and second, a recent visit to Tokyo, Japan. Across several meetings with Japanese Executives responsible for the global allocation of capital to the resources industry, or seeking to procure critical minerals, the following themes emerged: 1. Australia’s attractiveness as an investment destination, a sentiment based on decades of investing here 2. The ever-increasing cost to operate in Australia, with queries about what is being done to address the cost base and productivity performance 3. The policy initiatives to add value, qualified by the following queries: How far down the value chain will Australia go? How will we compete with a dominant market participant? 4. That other jurisdictions are ‘in play’ given the geographic dispersion of critical minerals (relative to iron ore and coal for example). The Federal government has stated its desire to be a catalyst for new investment in critical minerals. Policy settings must be aligned to this goal and be bespoke to the various critical minerals markets to account for their respective states of evolution. In this regard, we must be clear on the objectives. For example: Are we seeking to subsidise the construction of mines and associated infrastructure or build markets for our minerals, or both? And are we prepared to distinguish what made Australia a bulk commodities powerhouse and act on those learnings to underpin the development of a critical minerals industry? The research summarised in the article supports the contention that investable critical minerals projects in Australia’s current pipeline – in short, those projects that are post resource definition and pre-FID – are lacking in number, in diversity (as measured by primary commodity) and scale. With this context in mind, the article suggests constructive ways to address these shortcomings, focused on: 1. Policy options to address price and volume risk that otherwise deters private capital (to catalyse funding in the short to medium term); and 2. The need for greater public private collaboration, notably to facilitate the development of project clusters (to address concerns about global competitiveness and underpin the long-term success of the sector). Link to article: https://bit.ly/3UOglu7

The future of the minerals industry is about transforming to be more sustainable, efficient and responsible. As we embrace cutting-edge technologies, renewable energy, and smarter practices, we're reshaping what minerals production looks like in the 21st century. Throughout this month, we've explored key topics driving the future of the minerals industry, from innovations that boost efficiency to sustainable practices that protect the environment. We've highlighted the importance of community and the role that responsible mining plays in supporting local economies. Minerals innovation and sustainability aren't just trends—they are the foundation of a forward-thinking industry that can meet global demand while minimizing environmental impact. Together, we are building the advanced mines and mills of tomorrow, ensuring that this critical industry continues to meet global demand for the minerals necessary for decarbonization and a growing population while contributing to sustainable development. Keep tabs on IMII to follow the future of the industry! #SustainableMining #MiningInnovation #FutureOfMining #ResponsibleMining

With the current focus on energy transition, the role of critical minerals and Australia’s prosperity, this is a great piece of research and thought leadership.

🚨New RUSI report, ‘The UK's Role in Advancing Responsible Transition Minerals Supply Chains’ by Cathy Haenlein, Dan Marks and Belinda Schäpe 林孝蓓 is out now! 🌡️🔥🌍Transition minerals are central to decarbonising energy systems and meeting net zero targets globally.Yet there are environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks throughout relevant supply chains. Many of the minerals are concentrated in fragile state without the capacity to mitigate risks. It is vital that sourcing is carried out responsibly and in line with good international industry practises. 💷📈Our new report examines whether the UK, which has historically been viewed as the mining industry’s global ‘finance capital’, can promote a sustainable sourcing agenda without damaging its market position. And with China dominating the mining and processing of transition minerals globally, how much influence does the UK have? Head over to our website to learn more!