Abstract

This is a panel session with a moderator and 3-4 thought leaders to weigh in on this topic of investments - where does the money come from and how is it rewarded? 

This is seen as an open debate with some thinking on the pros and cons of investments from the downstream stakeholders versus the upstream and corporations, government, and other funding sources.

Abstract:

Sustainability is a topic that flows into the facets of traceability and whether the investments and costs can be linked to the supply chain.  This is a big topic that is coming and it can it be done. ICMM Rohit D. says "it's a noble and important vision, with exciting pockets of progress like the Global Battery Alliance, but doing it at scale will need major breakthroughs, much of which I think will come from outside the sector."  Largely, this is seen as a fact.  That is, the supply chain needs to be willing to pay a premium for minerals that are mined responsibly, and that premium will be what could pay for the improvements needed. Just like society is now willing to pay more for high quality cars and electronics to fund the machine that builds them, the mining industry cannot do it alone in the current commodity pricing system.   As an example, lithium, graphite, and other minerals are currently controlled by China - all it takes is a shift in demand or China dumping to crush prices and send Canadian miners into having to mothball projects. Responsible minerals require capital from a supply chain that cares and is willing to invest accordingly.  Is this realistic?  This is part of the debate.  The flip side is the belief that the investment banks and/or shareholder community (business owners) and/or government must be willing to accept less in their returns or in their taxation levels, respectively, to fund for the sustainability change.  Where does the community fit in?  Is there a charge to a community whereby a mine agrees to build next to the town, to bring wealth and jobs to the area, and to promise/guarantee the environmental sustainabilty.  Does the sustainable future include shared investments for resources like a green power generation plant to feed the mine/plants and all the community infrastructure. 

Sustainability is not an option in mining, but the solutions seemed to be blurred by an outdated mentality.  Fresh, breakthrough thinking is needed to discuss the funding investment arrangement and the value and benefits of all those involved in the metal extraction.