Mining companies have ramped up their commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in recent years, but is enough being done?

Earlier this year, Digbee and Stratum partnered to compile the inaugural “The Future of ESG in Mining” report. We spoke to 89 key decision-makers within the global mining industry (with 67% of respondents holding the position of C-Suite/Board member or Director or Vice-President within their organisations) to gain insights on what ESG issues should take centre stage and discover potential barriers to success.

Specifically, the report set out to understand:

  • To what extent have mining companies implemented ESG strategies?
  • Who is driving ESG at a company level?
  • What are companies doing to attract diverse ESG talent?
  • Which ESG issues are being prioritised?
  • What needs to be done to give ESG greater importance?

Key Highlights

  • In 49% of companies, ESG forms a standalone discipline within the executive structure
  • 71% of respondents feel ESG is vital in the decision-making process at Board level
  • Only 2% of respondents said ESG was not a priority for their company
  • Within Board structures, ESG forms 42% of a central board function
  • The 3 main factors driving ESG in mining organisations are:
    • Industry expectations
    • Pressure from stakeholders
    • International standards related to sustainable practices
  • Tailings management will face the greatest scrutiny from investors over the next 12 months
  • For the foreseeable future, the mining industry will be prioritising the following ESG topics:
    • Community relations
    • Community health & safety
    • Compliance with environmental and social regulatory requirements
    • Air or water pollution
    • Waste management

Download the report PDF

The report is now available and free to download here.