The quest for sustainability within the gold mining sector is receiving unparalleled attention, as outlined by John Mulligan, the World Gold Council’s (WGC) climate change lead and market relations director. Speaking from the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Mulligan detailed the industry’s strides in responsible practices, decarbonisation, and the urgent need to address gender parity and junior miner engagement. This drive towards sustainability is not just an industry preference but a response to increasing investor and societal demands, with the sector playing a pivotal role in the global energy transition.
Gold, though not typically listed among critical minerals for renewable technologies, facilitates local decarbonisation efforts and resilience. Mulligan underscored gold mining’s contribution to renewable energy projects, like the significant solar plant at Gold Fields’ South Deep mine in South Africa, demonstrating the sector’s capacity to influence governmental policy towards self-generated clean energy. This move not only aids mines in reducing their carbon footprint but also extends the benefits of renewable energy to remote areas previously out of reach.
To enhance sustainability across its value chain, the WGC launched the Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMPs) in 2019, mandating adherence by all WGC members. These principles aim to foster a culture of responsibility and are subject to independent verification, ensuring transparency and accountability in gold production.
Despite these advancements, Mulligan highlighted areas requiring further effort, such as increasing gender parity and integrating junior miners into the sustainability reporting framework. According to a report by Mining Weekly, he also pointed to the essential role of the mining sector in advocating for and demonstrating sustainable practices at global forums like the UN’s Climate Change Conferences (COP), stressing the need for the industry to amplify its contributions to socioeconomic development and the energy transition.
The WGC’s engagement extends beyond industry circles, with initiatives aimed at encouraging central banks to support artisanal small-scale gold mining and collaborating with the World Bank to tackle illegal mining activities. These efforts are critical in promoting sustainable practices and improving the social and environmental impacts of gold mining.
As the industry navigates challenges and opportunities, the call for long-term commitments and strategic investments in sustainability grows louder. The gold mining sector stands at a crossroads, with the potential to lead by example in the global push towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
