Comment

Comment, analysis and discussion from the staff at ICMM.

Exploring the youth talent gap in mining: Personal reflections on a global challenge

As demand for materials surges, mining is evolving – but youth engagement isn’t keeping pace. In this reflective blog, discover how one unexpected journey into mining reveals the industry’s untold potential.

Comment & analysis

Highlights from ICMM’s Responsible Mining Leadership Forum 2025

ICMM’s Responsible Mining Leadership Forum 2025 brought together industry leaders and subject experts over three days to explore the theme of truth and advance responsible mining practices globally.

Comment & analysis

Tunnel vision: How a world record marathon shines light on mining

Read how ICMM’s Josephine Robertson and Will Wardle joined a world record running marathon in a Swedish mine – 1,330m underground. A story of grit, togetherness, and of redefining mining’s future.

Comment & analysis

Reflections from Sweden: Collaboration to advance cleaner, safer mining

During a week in Sweden, ICMM convened industry leaders, innovators, and technical experts to explore how partnership and shared learning can accelerate the shift to cleaner, safer mining. 

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Mining must overcome challenges to contribute towards a nature-positive future ↗

The mining industry has decades of experience in restoration, biodiversity management and conservation, often beyond the mine fence, writes Emma Gagen, Director of Data and Research in Nature Reviews Biodiversity.

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Empathy and compassion; the way to make responsible mining practices the norm

At London Indaba, ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dhawan invites us to walk a mile in the shoes of those we least understand – not to excuse harm, but to unlock the empathy and insight needed to make lasting, responsible change.

Comment & analysis Presentations

Fostering Sustainability Through Circularity in Mining Batteries

The clean energy transition needs minerals. Circular battery practices can cut emissions, lower costs, and power communities, writes Tariq Kareemulla for Engineering & Mining Journal.

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Transition minerals and materials: Resilient value chains and circularity

At Barclays' Sustainable and Transition Finance Conference, ICMM CEO and President Ro Dhawan argued the mining sector isn’t facing volatility but chaos – a deeper shift with major implications.

Comment & analysis Presentations

Critical minerals for the energy transition: The case for responsible mining and increased circularity ↗

Demand for critical minerals necessitates a concerted effort to scale recycling. But recycled materials will never meet 100% of the demand, so a renewed focus on responsible primary production is needed.

Comment & analysis

Mining, land, and our shared future

At the 2025 World Bank Land Conference, Ro Dhawan delivers the first private sector keynote in over 20 years—confronting mining’s legacy and calling for a future built on restraint, respect, and regeneration.

Comment & analysis Presentations

Mines, machines, morals

In his keynote at the CIM Annual Conference, Ro Dhawan explores how mining—often overlooked in conversations about ethics and innovation—is quietly leading on both.

Comment & analysis Presentations

Managing DPM exposure: A safer future for underground mining

World Day for Health and Safety at Work is a global reminder of a simple truth: no job should come at the cost of a person’s health or safety.

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Being a good neighbour: The story of Los Bronces

Anglo American's iconic Los Bronces mine holds universal lessons in being a good neighbour; something that every miner owes their communities, near or far.

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Africa needs new ways to navigate geopolitical minefields ↗

Erosion of trust in the global political and financial system has intensified competition for critical minerals, write Ronak Gopaldas (Director, Signal Risk) and Rohitesh Dhawan (President & CEO, ICMM) for Business Day.

Comment & analysis

The future runs on copper: Meeting demand responsibly

Products tells a tale of heritage and craftsmanship. ICMM's Rohitesh Dhawan discusses the stories behind brand copper, brand Chile, and brand mining at an event co-hosted by ICA and CESCO in Santiago, Chile.

Comment & analysis Presentations

Why pause in U.S. anti-corruption enforcement will hurt mining firms, not help them ↗

Corruption substitutes ethical practice for undeserved advantage, rewarding the unscrupulous over the responsible, write By Rohitesh Dhawan (President & CEO, ICMM) and Suneeta Kaimal (President & CEO, NRGI) for Ethical Corporation Magazine.

Comment & analysis

From 24 to 25,000: Making responsible mining the norm

Is mining truly transforming—or just talking? At UNECE Resource Management Week 2025, ICMM President and CEO Rohitesh Dhawan delivers a candid response.

Comment & analysis Presentations

A new strategy for a new dawn

As we enter a new era for ICMM in 2025, we bring with us a blueprint for responsible mining, a sharper focus on driving sustainability performance, and a commitment to uniting stakeholders around a shared vision.

Comment & analysis News

The future of responsible mining: Trust, standards, and consolidation

Read the full keynote speech by ICMM President & CEO Rohitesh Dhawan at the 34th BMO Capital Markets Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference.

Comment & analysis Presentations

Markets Plus podcast: Metals and mining: Shedding light on a sustainable future

ICMM's Rohitesh Dhawan joins Camilla Sutton for a special Markets Plus podcast episode to discuss consolidation of mining standards, addressing the 'trust deficit,' and the industry's contributions to sustainable development.

Comment & analysis