Abstract
Standards and best practices are essential tools across various economic sectors as they facilitate the exchange of goods and services, promote sustainable and equitable economic growth, drive innovation, and help protect health, safety and the environment. In turn, international standards are often looked at strategically in helping countries position themselves in soft governance roles as well as promoting national competitive interests and national priorities in the global marketplace. Given the global nature of the mining sector and its growing importance in the transition to a low carbon economy, the incorporation of sustainability considerations into international mining standards has gained prominence.
This presentation provides an overview of both Canada and the United States’ leadership and participation across a suite of international mining standards programs. We focus attention on international mining standards programs that integrate sustainability, traceability, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Within this context, we highlight emerging and evolving international discussions related to binational priorities including critical minerals and their value chain.