Folks,
I’m not built like a rugby player, but I do love the game—and I’ve found it an unlikely source of inspiration in the topsy-turvy times we live in.
Alongside Standard Chartered, ICMM was delighted to host South Africa’s inspirational double World Cup-winning Springbok rugby captain, Siya Kolisi, for a conversation on leadership on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
Amid deeply moving accounts of his experiences growing up in poverty and structural disadvantage in post-Apartheid South Africa, Siya spoke passionately—and painfully—of witnessing gender-based violence in his home and his community from a very young age. Several ICMM members have significant programmes addressing gender-based violence in workplaces and communities, and many left the room with an even deeper commitment in this regard.
Here are my broader reflections from the conversation with Siya.
I’d hate to come up against Siya in a scrum, but that most physical of contests offers a powerful metaphor for a world that feels more divided than ever. At first glance, it’s pure confrontation—eight players pushing against eight for control of the ball. But pressure creates stability. The equal and opposing force keeps the scrum up and players safe. Ironically, it's when there’s an imbalance of power that it becomes unsettled. The lesson is clear: when people stand on equal footing, positive outcomes are far more likely.
This quest for balance fuels ICMM’s participation in the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative and the Global Tailings Management Institute. It also drives our commitment to sharing members’ tax and royalty contributions. Transparency isn’t about seeking praise; it’s about building trust.
And just as mastering the scrum takes relentless training, we must continuously improve. That’s why I’m pleased to share that we’ve updated our good practice guides on tailings management and integrated mine closure. Already setting a high bar, these new editions reflect the latest industry insights and support companies in strengthening governance and improving the long-term stability of closed facilities.
Looking ahead, we’ll soon be launching ICMM’s new 2025+ strategy, outlining fresh opportunities to drive progress through collaboration.
Until next time.
@Rohitesh
Our report is about more than numbers – it underscores our members’ commitment to tax transparency and open, fact-based debate on tax policy.
ICMM has released its 2024 Tax Contribution Report, highlighting the significant economic contributions made by member companies to host countries worldwide. Despite pre-tax profits halving, ICMM members contributed US$42 billion in corporate income tax (CIT) and royalty payments.
Beyond taxes, members supported 609,300 jobs, paying US$41.1bn in wages and related payments. They also spent US$203.8bn with suppliers and invested US$1.5bn in community and social programmes.
With tax and royalty payments impacting over 50 host countries, these funds support essential services, infrastructure, and social development.
Read the full 2024 Tax Contribution Report and watch Ro’s interview with Bloomberg TV about the future of mining and the need for governments and the industry to find solutions that benefit all.
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Closure is a critical phase of every mining or metals processing operation and presents an opportunity to strengthen environmental, social, and economic resilience far beyond the mine’s life cycle.
This month, ICMM published updated editions of two key resources to support mining companies with the planning and management of tailings storage facility closure.
As one of the most complex and resource-intensive phases in a mine’s lifecycle, closing tailings storage facilities requires early planning, strong governance, and progressive closure activities to minimise risks that can persist long after operations cease.
The updated Tailings Management Good Practice Guide (2nd edition) and Integrated Mine Closure Good Practice Guide (3rd edition) introduce enhanced strategies for integrating tailings management with mine closure processes. These updates reflect the latest industry knowledge and guidance on strengthening governance for the long-term stability of closed facilities.
You can download the guides for free here.
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It’s hard to compete with the rumour mill, but while everyone speculates about the next big mega-merger, ICMM’s Ro Dhawan used his keynote speech at BMO’s Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference to talk about a different kind of consolidation: the consolidation of responsible mining standards.
Our industry’s reputation problem is well-documented—with mining and metals still ranking last in global public perception—so a unified Standard is more important than ever to make it easier to distinguish good actors from the bad. Ro used his speech to urge investors to get involved, learn about the Standard, push companies to adopt it, and spread the word. Because when it comes to trust, the stakes (and returns) couldn’t be higher. Read the speech in full on our website.
While attending this year's Conference, Ro also took the time to join Camilla Sutton, BMO’s Head of Equity Research for Canada and the UK, for a special Markets Plus podcast episode on the Consolidated Mining Standards, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, decarbonisation, the ‘trust deficit,’ and how the industry is contributing to sustainable development. Listen to the conversation here.
PDAC 2025
Toronto, Canada • 2 March 2025
ICMM’s Co-Chief Operating Officer Aidan Davy will join representatives from Eldorado Gold and Unifor to discuss the why, how, and next steps of the Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative. More information on the event can be found here.
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Giga Europe 2025
Brussels, Belgium • 18–19 March 2025
ICMM’s Policy Lead, John Lindberg, will speak on how Europe can build secure, sustainable supply chains for the energy transition. More details on our participation to follow.
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Chatham House Climate & Energy Summit
London, UK • 19 March 2025
Ro Dhawan will join thought leaders to discuss emerging chokepoints in mineral supply chains, how trade tensions and national security concerns are reshaping alliances, and strategies to derisk supply chains for a resilient energy transition. More information on event can be found here.
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UNECE Resource Management Week 2025
Geneva, Switzerland • 26 March 2025
Ro Dhawan will explore several topics, including how transparency and equitable benefit-sharing can reshape mineral supply chains, the role of responsible practices in securing critical minerals sustainably, and strategies to prioritise environmental and social justice in resource-rich countries. More details on our participation to follow.
