What is the biggest business risk facing the mining and metals industry of 2019-20?

According to the recent EY annual survey of extractive sector leaders, the number one risk facing the industry in 2019-20 is (Social) ‘Licence to Operate’ (SLTO).

This report reflects the concerns of mining company management, that as the sector evolves with future technologies and automation, operations will have an even greater disruptive effect on the communities where they do business, and inherently their influence on sustainable development practices. To safeguard the Australian resources sector, a renewed focus on sustainability and social licence is vital to ensure growth is in line with environmental best practice and community expectations.

As the peak body for professionals, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) is leading the conversation on sustainability through bringing together experts at our upcoming event, the Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry Conference (SDIMI).

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin said that SDIMI, to be held from the 27-29 May in Sydney, will give a platform for professionals to share their learnings and best practice in sustainability.

“At our SDIMI conference, this will involve open discussions on the development of modern, innovative technology and the positive implications this will have on the future environmental sustainability of the sector,” said Mr Durkin.

Presentations at SDIMI by key experts will discuss how the sector can create a new working paradigm for social licence and propose new approaches for improving global practice in sustainable development. Dr Deborah Shields, a keynote speaker at SDIMI, said that the discussion was one of vital importance. “The conference theme of social licence is both timely and critical. Stable, prosperous, healthy and equitable societies and economies require minerals, but mineral extraction is increasingly controversial.”

Dr Deborah Shields encourages attendance to SDIMI for resources professionals stating “delegates will have the opportunity to learn more about concepts such as minerals in the circular economy, supply chain management, and shared value creation, and how these are linked to corporate social responsibility and how they can support social licence to operate.”

Visit the SDIMI website for more information