Modern Mining May 2025

“We cannot deny that for some companies, implementing responsible mining principles will impose a cost, but that is the nature of responsible business and adapting to change.

how engaged larger society and key stakeholders are in this process,” says Mulligan. The WGC is hopeful that the CMSI will be ratified in the next 12-24 months. “Given that the metals we mine are vital

Being asked to perform transparently across a wide range of different standards often comes with additional cost, some of which could be substantial, depending on a miner’s current capacity, current resources, expertise and skill set. However, this is weighed against the benefits that are unlocked in terms of efficiency, risk

for the future of our society and for our transitioning economy, it is imperative that we change how we operate and converge on good practice.” Are mines in Africa readily adopting responsible mining practices? “In most mining jurisdictions mining companies are not only demonstrating and implementing

In most mining jurisdictions mining companies are not only demonstrating and implementing these standards but are happy to inform the world of their initiatives.

reduction, resilience, and in some instances, longer-term operational benefits.” Apart from the near-term benefits associated with responsible mining, there is the added motivation for continuous improvement. “Once a miner becomes transparent, s/he looks to unlock further business and performance improvements. In fact, many companies implementing responsible mining standards uncover not only risks that need to be addressed but also realise further cost savings. “Importantly, people forget to ask the question: What is the cost of not being demonstrably responsible? People frequently forget to factor in the cost related to failings, should they not adopt responsible mining practices,” Mulligan concludes. . n

these standards but are happy to inform the world of their initiatives. However, our challenge is to increase awareness in the smaller-scale mining segment of business.” In Africa, the world’s largest gold producing region, WGC members are engaged in 44 gold projects (including 33 producing mines) in 12 African countries. Cost vs benefits of implementing responsible mining principles According to Mulligan, all change incurs a cost.

MAY 2025 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  13