Page 53 - 25 Reasons

OPINION

The transition to modern,

sustainable mining is a necessity
and an opportunity. SA should lead
the way, says Anik Michaud

THRIVING IN

DISRUPTION

Anik Michaud made these observations at February’s Mining Indaba in Cape Town PHOTO: MIKE ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY
ining has always been an society to capture and responsibly manage the While Anglo American doesn’t have all the
industry that enables enormous opportunities that we see. answers, we recognise that we must act.
human progress. Whether At its most basic level, think of a truck driver. Our efforts to realise sustainable development
it is through the precious They won’t necessarily need a driving licence and opportunities are based on what we call
metals and minerals that be physically in a truck to drive it. As autonomous “collaborative regional development”. Partnerships
Mmake modern life possible, trucks become the norm, the driver will instead and engagement characterise this approach. The
or mining’s direct economic contribution control the truck from cutting-edge operation aim is to identify socioeconomic development
through royalties, taxes and employment, centres, utilising digital skills and technology to opportunities where new industries can flourish
mining plays a part in all our lives. optimise efficiency. These shifts are well under in a region through spatial planning and analysis.
Like every economic sector, mining is way across the global industry, including in South Spatial planning enables us to start addressing
evolving. Technological innovation is Africa, and are opening up employment issues in space and context. We can gather,
fundamentally changing the nature of the opportunities to a far greater diversity of people. collate, clean, improve and analyse large quantities
industry. With technologies that are available The nature of work is changing, the type of of spatially referenced data from across a single
today and others that we are developing, we can employment may change and the relationship region. This integrated approach provides the
now imagine mines with smaller physical between mines, their host communities and analytical support needed to identify economic
footprints. We’ll use more precise extraction governments is likely to change. We must all be opportunities and social challenges and determine
techniques that will enable us to mine only the ready and repositioned for a future that embraces, how they are interrelated.
most valuable ore, thereby reducing waste, using and manages, this change responsibly. Together, By working through partnerships, we are better
a fraction of the energy and drawing almost no we must build our “social licence to innovate”. able to deliver on our commitment to help
fresh water. This may mean a new social contract for mining facilitate long-term, sustainable development in
These will be mines where people will be out in South Africa, one where innovation is seen as our host regions, far beyond the life of the mine.
of harm’s way, so everyone goes home safely at an enabler for mining’s sustainability as a business The substance of the model is important, but
the end of each day. In a world of diminishing ore activity and one where economic opportunities in the process is critical to its success. We can only
grades, constraints on water and energy, and the mining communities are not so reliant on mining. do this in collaboration with regional and
resulting increasing costs, the changes are not just To thrive in this new world, we must focus on municipal governments, other mining companies
an opportunity, they are a necessity if mining is to education and training that is targeted at the skills and industries, nongovernmental organisations
be truly sustainable – in every sense. These required for mining’s (and other industries’) future and our communities – each bringing their own
changes are a non-negotiable for a mineral-rich – re-skilling our employees for broader expertise, commitment and resources. It requires
country like South Africa to compete for capital opportunities and higher paying jobs. We must deep partnership and trust to help us map out a
and grow its mining industry. also collaborate with government on sustainable developmental path for mining communities to
While these changes are exciting and aligned job creation programmes, and creating a modern navigate this evolution in a sustainable way.
with society’s rightly increasing expectations of us and agile regulatory framework that fosters At Anglo American, we see the transition to
as an industry, some may feel unsettled about innovation and supports mining’s contribution to modern, sustainable mining both as a necessity
what role they will play and what it may mean for society. Forging this new approach will require a and as an opportunity to realise. South Africa
jobs. The reality is that no one knows exactly. concerted effort by mining companies, should lead the way. To thrive, we must all
What we do know is that mining is not alone – governments, labour and communities to imagine embrace innovation. Doing so will unlock long-
the fourth industrial revolution is upon us. So, in a different future for the mining industry. term opportunities for this great nation and all her
considering the implications, we will need to work Ultimately, mining’s contribution to regional people.
in partnership with governments, labour, other economies will continue and grow, but it will . Anik Michaud is group director of
industrial players, academic institutions and civil inevitably look different. corporate relations at Anglo American
ANGLO AMERICAN 25 REASONS TO BELIEVE 53