The Honey Badger of Mining: Celebrating 100 Years of Boliden's Tenacity, Leadership, and Legacy
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests. Let me tell you a story about where I come from. In the wilderness of South Africa, the bush teaches you that size is not everything.
The honey badger, at less than a foot tall and weighing no more than 10 kgs, is more revered than the Big 5 animals like lions and elephants that get the limelight. That’s because of the badger’s tenacity, resilience and spirit, which makes it more capable and effective than animals many times its size.
We are lucky in the mining industry to have a honey badger of our own - called Boliden. In an industry best known for our own Big 5 companies, Boliden punches well above its weight. That’s because it has achieved what much bigger companies haven’t been able to, and in doing so, has changed the mining industry - and the world - for the better. And that is why we are all here tonight; to honor that achievement.
I want to highlight three areas. First, and most importantly, safety. Boliden has not had a fatal accident in 17 years - a record of safety that is unmatched in the industry, and an aspirational goal for every other miner. Second, decarbonisation. Boliden is leading the industry to a low-carbon future by working with its world class suppliers to develop and scale emission reduction technologies, such as trolley assist which reduces the use of diesel by trucks. Finally, circularity. Boliden has shown that recycling is not a threat to mining, but a partner in supplying the world with critical minerals with the smallest possible footprint. All of this underpinned by some of the best technical, operational and commercial capabilities in the mining industry, which make Boliden one of - if not the most - productive mining company in the world.
Perhaps the most unique thing about Boliden is how proudly European it is, yet global in its outlook. This is what drove it to be an early adopter of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. Then they went further, making one of the largest investments in line with the Standard - at the Aitik mine that I’ve seen with my own eyes. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re leading the global industry to a safer future, with Mikael chairing a group of his peer CEOs overseeing the establishment of a Global Tailings Management Institute. At a time when the world is asking questions of European leadership on a global stage, Boliden stands tall as one of the best examples of playing to Europe’s strengths and positive influence.
For these reasons, it is my pride and joy to count Boliden as a member of ICMM, and to call Mikael a friend. Our industry is better because of you, and people are safer, the air is cleaner, and the planet is lighter because of your work. As impressive as what you have achieved, is how you have done it. Your values of care, courage and responsibility shine bright in everything you do; from the leadership of Mikael to the daily behaviours of your geologists and operators that is palpable at every Boliden site.
Come to think of it, there is one important difference between you and the honey badger. It lives for 10 years, and you’ve been going strong for 100. For all our sakes, please make it another 100.
