Ep. 319 ESG, Risks and the Path to Responsible Mining

The energy transition faces many challenges, and mining companies play an essential role in this energy transition with the need for critical minerals. Mining companies have an excellent opportunity to contribute to the energy transition by providing many raw materials.

Implementing best practices in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is crucial in this essential industry. The goal of having responsible mining also represents risks and challenges, but, at the same time, many opportunities today and in the years to come.

To discuss these topics, my guest in this episode is Melissa Barbanell. I met Melissa during Climate Week in New York in 2023; she was a panelist at the Consulate of Denmark, where she shared her insights about the sustainable supply of critical minerals for the energy transition.

Melissa Barbanell, the Director of International Engagement US for the World Resources Institute, has over 20 years of experience in environmental policy, government affairs, climate advocacy, and responsible mining.

We addressed the following topics:

• The concept of responsible mining
• The biggest challenges the mining industry faces regarding responsible mining
• Mining executives and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.
• Predominant risks of critical minerals.
• Opportunities of the critical minerals for the energy transition.

Also, we highlighted her article «Overcoming Critical Minerals Shortages Is Key to Achieving US Climate Goals,» published by the World Resources Institute.

Contact with Melissa Barbanell on LinkedIn.

All opinions are my own and do not represent the views of my current employer and/or my clients. The content, images, and audio are my intellectual property.