Mining and Environmental, Social and Governance
Jeff Swinoga is the National Mining and Metals Co-Leader of Ernst & Young Canada. He recently shared his thoughts on why many mining companies are adopting ESG- Environmental, Social and Governance practices.
First, what is Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)? It refers to the three central factors in measuring the sustainability and societal impact of an investment in a company or business.
Swinoga believes that early adoption of ESG programs is going to be vital for mining companies to attract capital.
"If there's a perception that mining companies are trying to catch up, I think it's really been more of an education process for mining companies to help people understand the good things that have been happening at the mine site," says Swinoga. Swinoga thinks that improved disclosure in sustainability reports has been further amplified (more communication) to the broader investor group.