Stakeholder Newsletter: November 2024

"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.
I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues."

Folks,

A children’s book is the unlikely source of this message—even more so when considering that for many people, mining is the implied villain of that story.

I was reading The Lorax by Dr. Seuss to my 5-year-old nephew as his bed-time story when he asked, “So, Uncle Ro, does your work cut down trees?” Now, he doesn’t actually know what I do, so I think he’d have asked that of anyone reading him that book! This is because the story of the Lorax is of the greedy Once-ler, who endlessly chops down Truffula trees to make Thneeds, until there are no trees left.

Having destroyed the forest, which in turn destroyed his business, the Once-ler finally realises that greed will be the undoing of us all—and that unless somebody like you / me cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.

The Lorax was published in 1971, but it’s never been more relevant than this week, as COP16 (biodiversity) just concluded and COP29 (climate change) about to begin.

This week also saw a number of articles covering the University of Maryland’s data on global forest loss and the World Resources Institute subsequent analysis. The substance of the report is important and balanced, but what I found less so was how it was covered in the media with sensational headlines such as “Mining eats into more of the world’s forests” – you can see my analysis here—do let me know if you agree / disagree.

ICMM has always focused on advancing these global goals through demonstrated action against clear commitments. This is why, in January, we launched our Nature Position Statement and, more recently, launched the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative public consultation with The Copper Mark, Mining Association of Canada and World Gold Council. I’m very proud that ICMM members are showing that more mining does not have to mean more nature loss, and here are some brilliant stories of companies contributing to a nature positive future while producing critical minerals.

Taking inspiration from the Lorax, the ICMM team looks to the future with renewed determination and optimism to help create a brighter, fairer future for all. We care a whole awful lot, and we believe things can and will get better.

Until next time,
Ro

Features

ICMM @ United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16)

The recent United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) marked a pivotal moment in our global commitment to nature, establishing itself as the ‘implementation COP’ for biodiversity. This conference provided a vital platform for participants to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration towards realising the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Aidan Davy represented ICMM in several key sessions—including panels organised by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, the Government of Colombia, and the Humboldt Institute—where he underscored the potential role of the mining and metals industry in supporting biodiversity, protecting World Heritage Sites, and promoting effective mineral resource governance.

Haaj Ahmed, ICMM’s Indigenous Peoples project lead, also actively participated in dialogues with civil society and Indigenous Peoples organised by the IFC. Addressing concerns about the potential impacts of increased demand for energy transition materials, Haaj reaffirmed ICMM’s dedication to responsible mining and the crucial link between biodiversity, community health, and economic prosperity.

With support from the Asociación Colombiana de Minería, Aidan Davy and Pierre Gratton of the Mining Association of Canada—on behalf of the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative partners: The Copper Mark, ICMM, Mining Association of Canada, and World Gold Council—also actively promoted public engagement in the consultation process.

The impact of any COP lies in the actions it ultimately inspires. By its very nature, mining has the potential to adversely impact biodiversity, yet at the same time, the mining and metals industry can be an important partner for delivering the Framework targets. Have your say in how mining can responsibly contribute to the protection of nature and the environment by taking part in CMSI’s public consultation.

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Connect with us @ COP29

Building on our activities at COP16, ICMM’s John Lindberg and Antonia Mihaylova will be in Baku, Azerbaijan for United Nations Climate Conference (COP29). The urgency of keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5C is greater than ever and they will be sharing on the essential role that responsibly produced metals will play in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the technologies that will enable a zero-carbon economy.

If you’re planning on attending, you’ll be able to catch up with us at the following events:

• Transition Plans: Establishing best practice for the hard-to-abate sectors
  14 November 2024, 12.05pm (AZT) • Sustainable Innovation Forum, Climate Action’s Innovation Zone

Climate Action’s Sustainable Innovation Forum returns for its 16th annual edition during COP29 on 13-14 November, where John Lindberg will be speaking about transition plans for hard-to-abate sectors, including the role of standards. ICMM has complimentary passes for our network to attend. You can apply for a pass here. Once these passes are sold out, use code ICMM25OFF for a 25% discount. Please contact hclarke@climateaction.org for any further information.

• Simplifying The Mining Standards Landscape
  14 November 2024, 10am (AZT) • Standards Pavilion, Blue Zone

This fireside chat between John Lindberg and Malu Paiva (Executive Vice President of Sustainability, Vale) will see them discuss the need for—and progress towards—a consolidated standard, and the harmonising solutions this would bring. Specifically, the session will delve into the purpose and ambition of the Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative, addressing the challenges that stakeholders encounter within the current complex standards landscape. It will also explore what an effective, unified standard should look like to meet the diverse needs of all stakeholders.

• Enabling a People Centered Energy Transition with Renewables and the Mining Industry
  15 November 2024, 4.30pm (AZT) • Global Renewable Alliance Pavilion

ICMM and the Global Renewables Alliance will be hosting a panel discussion exploring how sectors can effectively collaborate to support a just and equitable energy transition, at a scale and pace required.

• Driving Performance Improvement in Critical Minerals
  20 November 2024, 9am (AZT) • Standards Pavilion, Blue Zone

ICMM’s Antonia Mihaylova is speaking on a panel with Rachel Asante-Owusu of IUCN and Bianca Conde of Vale. The panel will discuss the need for and progress towards a consolidated standard, the challenges that stakeholders face, and the harmonising solutions the Initiative can bring.

Find our whole programme of activities at COP29 here.

Consolidated Mining Standard: Explanatory Webinar

We are committed to the vision of a less complex standards landscape that benefits all stakeholders, sets a high bar for responsible mining and drives continuous improvement across the wider mining industry.

In the first of a series of explanatory webinars on the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative, ICMM’s Aidan Davy and partner representatives shared background information on the draft consolidated standard, its governance model, assurance process, and related reporting and claims policy.

A comprehensive Q&A from the webinar can be found here.

We encourage all interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft Standard and multi-stakeholder oversight system. The public consultation is open until 16 December 2024 and available in 8 languages.

You can submit your feedback and learn more about CMSI here.

Connect With Us

IGF2024
Geneva, Switzerland • 18 November–20 November 2024

Celebrating the 20th IGF Annual General Meeting, ICMM CEO Ro Dhawan will be helping to set the scene on the very timely topic of how we ensure a balance between fulfilment of demand for minerals and metals, with the critical need to protect people and the planet, both now and for future generations. Register here.

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Resourcing Tomorrow
London, UK • 3 December–5 December 2024

Ro Dhawan will be delivering the opening keynote at this fast growing event that brings together over 2000 mining, energy, and policy leaders to drive innovation, foster partnerships and advance sustainable growth. Find out more here.