In a keynote address at the 2019 International Mines and Resources Conference (IMARC) today on the topic of Building a sustainable industry through people, technology and culture, Mr Mitchelson emphasised that technology is only one factor in the broader change agenda for the sector, and that people and communities must also be a key part of the solution in building a sustainable industry.
“Innovation and technology have a strong part to play in building a sustainable industry, but technology for the sake of it can lead to nowhere.
“In the future, when someone refers to ‘mining’ I hope they see a picture of people doing valued work in a cleaner, smarter and more socially responsible way, providing the essential ingredients for modern life,” he said.
Mr Mitchelson also acknowledged the rapid rise of Environment-Social-Governance (ESG) factors as a priority for investors and customers and stakeholders. He said Anglo American had been on a journey in the area of sustainability in recent years, with the development of its Social Way system for managing social performance, FutureSmart MiningTM approach and 2030 Sustainable Mining Plan, which has set ambitious targets for the company including a 30% improvement in energy efficiency and an absolute 30% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030.
“Anglo American’s purpose is to reimagine mining to improve people’s lives. Our purpose recognises that where we are going on our sustainability journey not only involves a shift in how we mine, but also why we mine.
“As we develop new projects like our Aquila Mine in Queensland, we are embracing the Circular Economy to ensure we become safer, more sustainable and more productive with the resources we have.
“Anglo American is at the forefront of the movement to third party assurance of ESG factors, with our De Beers business having helped establish the Responsible Jewellery Council and committing to the sustainable and ethical sourcing of diamonds.
“Recently we announced that our Unki platinum mine in Zimbabwe would be the first mine in the world to publicly commit to be independently audited against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s Standard for Responsible Mining, and all of our managed mines will be certified through such independent rigorous certification processes by 2025. This will provide our customers with the ability to satisfy their ethical sourcing responsibilities, which undoubtedly will become more and more prevalent throughout the world, as they have in Europe,” he said.
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