Highlights from ICMM’s Responsible Mining Leadership Forum 2025
What an inspiring three days – and what a powerful reminder of how coming together with open minds can drive progress in responsible mining.
By Angelica Ngai and Marine Godard (Communications Officers at ICMM).
A huge thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Responsible Mining Leadership Forum such a success by sharing insights and experiences that will help advance responsible practice across our industry.
The Forum was held under the Chatham House Rule. The following reflections summarise key themes discussed without attributing comments to individual participants or organisations.
What We Heard on Day 1: Leadership and truth
The opening day explored the meaning of truth in responsible leadership. Discussions highlighted the importance of humility, honesty, and listening as foundations of ethical decision-making.
Industry leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to sustainability, despite the complexities of today’s geopolitical environment. Participants connected the global demand for critical minerals with the risks of carbon overshoot and ecosystem decline, calling for regulation, innovation, and circularity to be guided by principles of justice and equity.
Environmental and industrial perspectives converged on the view that constructive engagement is essential – recognising that responsible and irresponsible practices exist in every sector, and that collaboration helps to distinguish those working for long-term value creation.
Conversations on safety reflected steady progress towards the goal of zero harm, while emphasising the need for continuous improvement and cross-sector learning.
The day closed with reflections on leadership rooted in partnership – particularly the value of listening to local communities and building long-term trust.
Day 2: Transformation and trust
The second day examined whether current approaches to net zero, diversity and inclusion, and talent are truly fit for purpose.
Views on net zero varied. Some participants described clear targets as essential for driving ambition, while others cautioned that targets can distract from the need for practical, measurable, and economically grounded action.
The conversation turned to trust – how it must be earned through goodwill, accountability, and equitable value sharing with communities. Participants discussed the role of innovation and circularity, as well as the contribution of voluntary standards and partnerships in driving industry-wide progress.
Perspectives also diverged on the so-called talent crisis. Many agreed that perception remains a key challenge: the industry’s opportunities are often misunderstood. Stronger storytelling, particularly about innovation and purpose, was seen as vital to attract future talent.
Discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) acknowledged the political headwinds some organisations face, yet participants reaffirmed that inclusion is essential for social mobility and opportunity creation.
The day ended with personal reflections on leadership and purpose – reinforcing that mining, done responsibly, can make a tangible difference both locally and globally.
Day 3: Governance and shared value
The final day explored how governance, standards, and fairness underpin responsible growth.
Participants reflected on the evolving roles of governments, institutions, and companies in a shifting geopolitical landscape. Many discussed how mining can deliver strong economic outcomes while recognising that benefits are not always shared equitably – highlighting the need for stronger governance and collaboration between communities, companies, and governments.
Discussions also examined how early experiences and diverse cultural perspectives shape approaches to environmental leadership, and how inclusive dialogue can advance the global energy transition.
The group explored how initiatives such as the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative (CMSI) can drive systemic change through transparent, multistakeholder engagement. Addressing illegal mining was recognised as an urgent priority – as it fuels conflict, drives environmental harm, and undermines responsible industry practices.
The Forum concluded with reflections on the industry’s collective journey – the importance of shared values, the role of diverse voices in uncovering uncomfortable truths, and the reminder that truth itself is rarely simple but shaped by lived experience.
We really value your feedback
For those that were able to join us, either in person or online, we are deeply grateful. Recordings of the sessions are now available on our EventMobi app to rewatch on demand.
Also, it’s always great to learn which aspects you enjoyed from the Forum and which you feel could be improved. This helps us shape our future events. If you would like to share any thoughts do feel free to reach out to us via info@icmm.com.