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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

There is an expectation that the private sector can and should play a significant role in promoting and supporting the delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

This Sustainable Development Goal calls for quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure that is universally accessible—achieved through both the development of new infrastructure and the retrofitting of existing, poorly performing systems.

Mining demands substantial infrastructure investment, particularly in remote regions. Shared-use infrastructure can deliver broader societal benefits, especially in countries facing significant infrastructure deficits. This creates opportunities for the mining sector to contribute meaningfully to national development goals.

What companies need to know to manage impacts or make a positive contribution
  1. The status of infrastructure provision in host countries and planned investments by government, so that infrastructure requirements to support investment can be determined.
  2. How planned investments in infrastructure can be made more sustainable and help deliver value for the company and for society.
  3. How mining-related infrastructure can be part of creating a positive legacy post-closure.
Minimising negative impacts Maximising positive contributions
  • Design infrastructure investments to minimise adverse environmental, social or economic impacts.
  • Engage early with other users of existing infrastructure to minimise negative impacts and enable shared usage.
  • Ensure planned infrastructure investments align with national development plans where possible.
  • Proactively develop new infrastructure in ways that benefit multiple users beyond the company.
  • Work collectively with other partners on infrastructure investments to support regional and national development.
  • Work collectively with other companies to support more sustainable innovation or value addition where appropriate.