Partnerships for sustainability in mining, with Anglo American

Partnerships for sustainability in mining, with Anglo American

On Wednesday 29 November, Canning House and Anglo American held a joint conference on the theme of “Partnerships for Sustainability in Mining” at Anglo American’s offices, on Charterhouse Street in London.

Jeremy Browne, CEO of Canning House, and Jonathan Dunn, Anglo American’s Head of Climate, opened proceedings by welcoming our distinguished audience of professionals from the mining industry and adjacent sectors, diplomats, academics and civil society representatives.

The afternoon’s first panel, “Building Partnerships for Sustainability in Mining,” was chaired by Prof. Paul Ekins, Professor of Resources and Environmental Policy at University College London’s Institute for Sustainable Resources. Featured on the panel were Natascha Nunes da Cunha from the Inter-American Development Bank, Dr Hugo Rainey, from The Biodiversity Consultancy Ltd, Adam Matthews, of the Church of England Pensions Board, and Carla Toledo, from the International Finance Corporation.

Panellists discussed considerations for investors and businesses seeking to develop mining activities in Latin America, and the sector’s growing consciousness of the needs and role of local community partnership, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.

Our second session was a Fireside Chat, featuring Cristina Bruce, Head of Corporate Affairs Crop Nutrients at Anglo American, in conversation with Christian Spano, Director of Innovation at the International Council on Mining and Minerals. The two discussed Anglo American’s ‘Sustainable Mining Plan,’ reflecting on progress after five years since its implementation, and how the company and wider sector are working toward greater sustainability in their operations around the world.

Chaired by Michael Osborne, Director of Energy, Water and Resources at Arup, our second panel addressed the topic “Towards an Integrated Water Management Strategy with Shared Value.” The panel welcomed Renier Swart from Anglo American, Sarah Mackay from ERM, and Antofagasta’s Rob Simmons.

Solutions to challenges of water and wastewater in mining, including reduction of water use, treatment, and alternative sourcing were discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on how water infrastructural development can, when implemented with sustainability in mind, share benefits between all parties – companies and communities alike.

Jonathan Dunn returned to the podium to close proceedings, before inviting our audience to enjoy a networking reception, which included wine from Anglo American’s very own South African vineyard.

Canning House thanks Anglo American for their partnership, our chairs and speakers for their participation, and our audience for their interest and engagement.