Introduction

This course will cover Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) components and their impact on the mining value chain. Participants will learn about the various stages of the mining process, from exploration to closure, and the various ESG threats and opportunities associated with each stage. They will also gain a deeper understanding of ESG regulations, standards and reporting requirements, and how these are changing the mining industry. Case studies and real-world examples will be used to illustrate the practical application of ESG across the mining value chain. The course is designed for professionals in the mining industry, as well as those with an interest in ESG and sustainable business practices.

Who is the Course For

This course explores concepts that will be useful for those seeking a robust understanding of ESG considerations at each stage of the mining value chain and is suitable for intermediate levels. 

Examples of those who may be interested include: investors, geologists, chemists, engineers, government officials, regulators, data scientists, policy setters, non-governmental organizations, procurement specialists, academics, finance professionals, sustainability experts, lawyers, and administrative staff. 

Learning Outcomes

• Explain each of the components of ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) and how they interact and overlap to form an integrated approach 
• Define and properly use key terms and vernacular specific to sustainability and mining  
• Highlight some of the key ESG considerations involved in the stages of the Mining Value Chain 
• Describe the potential short and long term challenges that can occur as a result of a poor ESG practice 
• Describe the potential long and short term benefits that can be attributed to a robust ESG practice 

About the Authors

Dr. Sarah Gordon

Having completed her PhD at Imperial College, Sarah went to work as a Geologist for Anglo American. She was lucky enough to live and work all over the world in a variety of functions from exploration through to sustainability, risk management and assurance.

Sarah co-founded Satarla in 2014 which provides risk management consultancy, training, and research to organizations from sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, charities, finance, together with petrochemicals, energy, oil & gas, and mining. In recent years, this has focused on integrated risk management with a focus on Environmental, Social and Governance risks.

Sarah is an honorary lecturer at Imperial College London and Research Associate at the She is currently leading the team designing the new IRM Climate Change risk management training course. Voted as one of the top 10 most inspirational women in mining in 2016, she is also a trustee of Geology for Global Development and co-founder of Responsible Raw Materials. In 2020, Satarla were shortlisted for a CIR Magazine award for ESG Initiative of the Year, recognizing Satarla’s work on ESG to date, and are winners of the award for Specialist Risk Management Company of the Year.

Dr. Rose Clarke

Rose completed her PhD at the University of Leicester, investigating gold deposits enriched in energy critical elements such as tellurium, including aspects of sustainability, most prominently carbon emissions, life cycle assessments (LCA) and product carbon footprints.

She is now a Project Manager at Satarla, leading on all climate related work regarding the mining sector, and many ESG projects inclusive of training courses. In 2022 she was also awarded a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship grant, to work within the Sustainable Mineral Resources in the Philippines programme for a period of 3 years.

Rose has been part of wider education projects working to support awareness of science, including Girls into Geoscience Junior and the Brilliant Club.

Rose is also a co-founder of www.responsiblerawmaterials.com.

Duration: 4 Hours 

Category: Mining 

Level: Intermediate