ESG: An Ethical Explorationist’s Quandary Dr Cathryn MacCallum, Sazani Associates, and Dr Matt Jackson, Akobo Minerals AB, discuss the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance principles to mineral exploration.
A
change in attitude towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues has been brewing in the exploration industry for several decades, but exploration geologists have recognised this for much longer. Perhaps for centuries, ambitious exploration geologists have travelled the world to realise a profit from newly discovered mineralisation. In many cases, these geologists enter the industry with a desire for adventure and spend many years living among remote communities and in pristine wildernesses. With such experiences, it is natural to
develop a fondness for the people and nature, and a desire to protect both. Given the high profile failures of some mines, it is hardly surprising that some exploration geologists might be disappointed when they are successful. It would certainly not be unusual for a geologist to view the site of their career highlight – a profitable mine – and actually be disappointed. Humans often live with contradictory feelings and as such, a successful exploration geologist lives with pride in their success but also profound disappointment at the destruction they have initiated.
global mining review // July/August 2021
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