Mining at a Crossroads: Will we Choose Progress?
Lately, it feels like we are all trying to find our footing on shifting ground. The world feels chaotic and unstable. Progress we thought was certain is now being questioned. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are being rolled back. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) discussions are increasingly met with criticism and hostility. Governments often seem more interested in theatrics than leadership.
It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. And it’s terrifying.
For those of us in mining, this uncertainty weighs heavily. We’ve spent the past five years talking about our commitment to responsibility, sustainability, and inclusion. We’ve told the world that we care. That we are different. That we are changing.
But now, when the pressure is on—when costs are rising, production targets are critical, and shareholder expectations are mounting—will we hold the line on those commitments? Or will we retreat to what is easier and more familiar? Will we cut corners on the values we claimed were central to our future?
The truth is, it would be easier to let it all go. Profit is simpler when you don’t prioritize inclusion, responsibility, or community relationships. When you don’t listen to Indigenous voices. When you don’t care about diverse leadership. When you don’t worry about environmental and social impacts beyond the bare minimum.
But we know better. We know companies perform better with diverse teams, with greater inclusion, and with Indigenous partnerships. We know investors have more confidence in businesses that demonstrate integrity, transparency, and accountability. We know the future of mining is one where innovation, responsibility, and equity work together—not against each other.
So, the question is: Are we brave enough to stay the course?
Will investors, shareholders, and buyers continue to demand progress when times get tough? Will we, as an industry, resist the temptation to fall backward into old habits?
This is the moment that matters. This is when we prove whether all those words about responsibility and inclusion were just corporate jargon—or whether they were the foundation of the future we are building.
We need action, not just words. Here are some ideas and solutions that can help us move forward:
Women and Investment: Studies have shown that increasing women's participation in investing leads to better long-term outcomes and stronger financial performance. Encouraging more women to invest in mining companies can help shift priorities towards sustainable, long-term value creation.
Inclusion in Leadership: Companies with diverse executive teams outperform those without. Mining companies should set clear targets for increasing representation of women, Indigenous leaders, and other underrepresented groups in senior positions.
Strengthening Standards: Support for comprehensive standards like the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) can drive greater transparency and accountability across the sector. Aligning with rigorous, independently verified standards helps ensure that progress is more than just talk.
Indigenous Partnerships: True partnerships with Indigenous communities, built on respect and shared value, can unlock long-term growth while reducing project risk. Mining companies need to move beyond consultation to genuine collaboration.
Investor Pressure: Investors and shareholders must continue to demand more than short-term profits. Supporting companies that demonstrate commitment to ESG principles and long-term value creation will help shift the industry towards responsible growth.
I know the road ahead isn’t easy. It never is. But I believe mining can be a leader—not just in production but in values. We can accelerate forward with innovation, inclusion, and courage. We can build an industry where everyone truly has a seat at the table.
But only if we choose to.
So, what will we choose?
