The mining industry is at an inflection point, which requires new approaches in environmental and social governance, towards managing complex country, market and operational risks. Health and safety, as well as sustainable development, have consistently ranked in the top 10 mining risks identified by most major mining companies.

However, Ukwazi’s Sustainable Mining Practice (USMP) recognises that compliance exists within a complex regulatory environment, and that environmental and social sustainability lies at the heart of the future of mining. Innovation, coupled with enhanced requirements associated with the social license to operate - as well as new corporate governance and triple bottom line reporting frameworks - makes finding bespoke and cutting-edge solutions in this field imperative.

Mining companies need to reevaluate how they effectively plan for compliant closure and post-closure activities, whilst simultaneously enhancing resource efficiency and building sustained business resilience. While these regulations are a game changer for the sector, they also provide an opportunity to create ongoing value through integrated environmental approaches and waste management, and concurrent mine rehabilitation and social commitments.