Diggers & Dealers delegates share ideas to create a more sustainable mining industry

Chemical-free testing, high-speed rail networks and the use of artificial intelligence were just some of the concepts suggested by Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum delegates on how to improve sustainable practices in the industry.

The ideas were presented at Deloitte’s booth during last week’s forum in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Attendees were asked: “What can the mining sector do now to shape a more sustainable tomorrow?”

The booth was themed around the organisation’s report, “Countdown to 2030: Bold action for a sustainable mining future” which explores seven critical actions to create a more sustainable mining industry over the next seven years.

Deloitte’s sustainability expert Celia Hayes said the question prompted a huge array of different ideas and concepts from delegates across the three-day forum.

“Our booth was themed around the (Countdown to 2030) report and asked attendees the same question as we had asked our younger generation competition entries,” she said.

Ms Hayes said delegates’ responses ranged “from technical solutions such as recycling lithium batteries, chemical-free testing, high-speed rail and the use of AI to more systems solutions such as improved culture and leadership, partnership schemes, global governance structures and redefining what value means”.

“It was clear from the level of engagement and the lack of space on the board going into day three that the theme really resonated with the Diggers & Dealers attendees,” she said.

“There was even a special call out on plastic bottles, referencing the plastic waste generated at the conference this year.”

An artist was on hand at the booth to generate a visual illustration of participants’ responses on the “ideas board”.

Ms Hayes said the report aimed to drive change and create a positive impact for the mining industry.

“We know that more and more pressure is being put on miners to simultaneously provide more materials into the market and to shift towards more sustainable practices,” she said.

“This pressure will only accelerate over time — it is not a passing trend.

“The successful companies in the mid to long-term will be those who take this challenge on and innovate to become less impactful on nature and society in a negative way and to leave a positive legacy through their operations.

“This is not only critical for our miners, but also for the economy, and we want to see a world where mining can shift its image through demonstrable action at the industry level.”