ESG considerations are transforming the mining industry, from exploration to closure. Faced with growing pressure from investors, regulators, Indigenous communities, and the public, mining professionals must navigate complex expectations while maintaining operational excellence. This training program offers a practical and structured approach to understanding and applying ESG principles throughout the life cycle of a mining project. This training is intended for a wide audience of professionals, from exploration to mining operations. It combines fundamental theory with interactive activities, including quizzes, case studies, and a panel. Participants will explore the main ESG pillars as well as the internationally recognized TSM (Towards Sustainable Mining) Initiative. The session highlights risks, tools, and opportunities, enabling participants to integrate ESG practices from the outset and effectively, and to improve the acceptability, transparency, and long-term value of projects.

This ESG training course, developed jointly by ethos strategy and the Quebec Mining Association, aims to equip mining industry professionals with the tools they need to better understand and integrate ESG principles throughout the life cycle of a project. Structured in six thematic blocks, the training begins with the fundamental principles of ESG, clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and main standards of the sector. It continues with blocks dedicated to environmental issues (climate change, regulation, performance, etc.), social issues (Indigenous relations, EDI, health and safety), and governance such as greenwashing. An entire section is devoted to the Canadian TSM (Towards Sustainable Mining) initiative, which is internationally recognized for supporting mining companies in their sustainable performance. Finally, the training concludes with a panel on social acceptability and the benefits of an integrated ESG approach from the earliest stages of a project in this regard.

Top takeaways:

-Understand the ESG pillars and their application to the mining context.
-Identify the risks and challenges associated with each pillar, as well as the tools for measuring and improving performance.
-Recognize the benefits of integrating ESG practices into all stages of a mining project's life cycle and understand where to start.
-Address the current state and anticipated future direction of ECOLOGO certification.
-Demystify and situate TSM within the broader ESG landscape.