Abstract
Standards and best practices are imperative instruments for many economic sectors, including mining since these can help facilitate the international exchange of goods and services, support sustainable and equitable economic growth, promote innovation, and protect health, safety and the environment. In turn, standards are often looked at strategically by many countries in both helping countries position themselves in soft governance roles as well as promoting national competitive interests and national priorities in the global marketplace.
In this presentation, an overview is provided of not only Canada’s participation across a suite of international standards mining programs, but also instances as well as potential opportunities for Canadian leadership. Examples are drawn from Canada’s prior and current leadership and involvement with international standards focused on advanced mining and automation as well as Canada’s leadership in mine closure and reclamation planning.
We also focus attention on international standards programs that are specific to critical minerals, including rare earths and lithium, as well as the associated value chains of these minerals. Here, updates are provided on evolving discussions internationally on several key areas related to sustainability, ESG, and minerals and metals, and especially those classified as critical with respect to their role in global decarbonization efforts. Insights are also provided on Canada’s involvement, through respective international standardization activities, in these discussions and also potential opportunities for Canadian leadership and participation.