ESG and geopolitical issues causing disruption in the mining sector
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, geopolitics and climate change are the top three risks/opportunities facing mining and metals companies over the next 12 months, according to global mining leaders surveyed for the 15th edition of the EY ‘Top 10 Business Risks and Opportunities for mining and metals in 2023’.
The survey found that ESG’s impact is felt across every part of the business as the issue becomes a priority for key stakeholders. Water stewardship is the top ESG risk for 76% of survey respondents as climate change and water scarcity concerns escalate.
“Managing ESG risk is becoming more complex,” said Paul Mitchell, EY Global Mining & Metals Leader. “Miners who get it right can get an edge on competitors in many ways — from accessing capital, to securing license to operate, attracting talent and mitigating climate risk.”
The study also highlights rising concerns around workplace culture. Bullying and harassment are endemic and tied to ongoing issues around a lack of diversity, inclusiveness and respect.
“The sector needs to do more to improve health, safety and wellbeing,” Mitchell said. “A balanced approach to managing both critical risks and foundational workplace safety and wellbeing can help companies build a holistic, robust approach.”
Global conflict and geopolitical uncertainty hits the sector
According to the study, global conflict and ongoing disruption are creating new urgency for miners to rethink traditional operating and business models. Geopolitics has risen to number two on the ranking and global volatility is likely to be ongoing, driven by changing governments in key markets, competition between key economies, and a growing tide of resource nationalism.
“We see evidence that governments are trying to fill revenue gaps created through the COVID-19 pandemic with new or increased mining royalties,” Mitchell said. “For example, Chile plans to introduce copper royalties, and in Australia, the Queensland state government has already increased royalties on coal. For mining and metals companies, the ability to quickly assess the impact of these changes, as well as different alliances, trade flows and governments on business decisions will be critical.”
Urgency for better mitigation of climate change risk
The study highlights that mining and metals companies have become progressively better at managing climate risks, but there are still opportunities to improve. Not enough miners are taking action to minimise the physical risks of climate change, which may threaten operations.
“Many mining and metals companies have committed to highly ambitious decarbonisation targets and a sharper focus on reporting emissions, but 2023 will reveal whether the sector is on the trajectory to net zero,” Mitchell said.
Strengthening Indigenous trust critical to license to operate expectations (LTO)
Falling from number one on the ranking, LTO came in at number four despite its increasing complexity. Miners face new LTO expectations, including building livable communities and forging trusted relationships with Indigenous communities.
“It is critical for mining companies to go beyond doing what’s merely required by law. It’s time to commit to furthering truth and reconciliation,” Mitchell said. “Ultimately, reframing LTO as a way of creating long-term value can have a positive impact on the company’s brand.”
Digital innovation and new business models create opportunities for differentiation
Mining and metals executives surveyed say that data mining and automation, as well as the introduction of an ESG platform to track metrics and reporting, will be the focus of digital investment over the next one to two years.
Digital and data will play an important role in helping miners meet ESG requirements; however, the study highlights that many companies are failing to make the most of the opportunity.
New business models can also offer opportunities for miners to reposition for a changing future, with many companies considering the benefits of strategies to rationalise, grow and transform.
“Companies that scrutinise and shift business models now, can get an edge on competitors, as demand and expectations change,” Mitchell said.
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