The Gold Industry Group and Deloitte will hold their annual breakfast event at Diggers & Dealers on Tuesday 13 October, where a panel of industry leaders will share their insights on the developments in decarbonisation led by Australia’s mining sector.
Northern Star Resources Limited Non-Executive Director and Chair Mary Hackett.
IGO Head of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary Joanne McDonald.
Deloitte Director Sustainability and Climate Change Services Michael Wood.
The mining industry is ideally placed to play a leading role in the transition to a net-zero carbon future, providing companies a social, environmental and financial advantage.
Appreciating how the industry can thrive in the lower carbon future will enable mining companies to sustain their investments, and to continue to bring economic and social benefits to communities across Australia and beyond.
This year’s panel includes Northern Star Resources Limited Non-Executive Director and Chair Environmental, Social & Safety Committee Mary Hackett, IGO Head of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary Joanne McDonald, Deloitte Director Sustainability and Climate Change Services Michael Wood, and Pilbara Minerals Limited Chief Operations Officer Dale Henderson.
The speakers will discuss the challenges companies face in moving to a lower-carbon base, but also ways to embrace leading edge technologies while enhancing trust and engagement among all stakeholders.
Ms Hackett said it is a given that future markets will demand lower carbon and more sustainable practices, therefore it would be irresponsible not to act now.
“Ensuring energy efficiency is a clear and sensible first step. Using natural gas significantly reduces emissions while also reducing dependence on imported fuels,” Ms Hackett remarked.
Ms McDonald noted despite the impacts of the COVID-19 health pandemic felt globally, climate remains a major priority for the business community.
“We are seeing this through the increase in interest and growth of influential investors and company initiatives, if anything, the pandemic has provided an opportunity for a reassessment and refocus on climate change issues.
“Investors, companies and the broader general public are recognising that acting on environmental, social and governance issues is a business imperative,” Ms McDonald said.
Mr Wood explained as the transition to a low carbon future accelerates, financiers are moving away from twentieth century business models, technologies and infrastructure, towards increased investment in clean energy, transport and smart infrastructure – and the commodities that will underpin them.
“Understanding both transitional and physical risks is a starting point but investors are also looking for tangible emissions reduction targets and strategic delivery plans.
“Any new or expanded mining operation being planned in 2020 should look to start its operations fully enabled to become a net zero mine,” Mr Wood concluded..
Relive all the highlights from the 2019 Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum in our wrap article and photo gallery.