What's Happening?
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has launched a Global Mining Dataset aimed at addressing the lack of reliable and standardized data within the mining and metals sector. This initiative is part of a multi-year effort to improve the quality and accessibility of sector information, which is crucial for informed policy-making and discussions on the industry's role in sustainable development. The dataset provides a comprehensive view of the global distribution of mining and metals facilities, including mines, smelters, refineries, and processing plants. Developed with support from Accenture, Global Energy Monitor, and Skarn Associates, the dataset is intended to inform public and policy debates by offering insights into the location, type, commodity, and footprint of these facilities.
Why It's Important?
The launch of the Global Mining Dataset is significant as it addresses a longstanding issue of inadequate data in the mining and metals sector, which has hindered effective policy-making and governance. Reliable data is essential for understanding the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the sector, and for monitoring progress towards sustainability targets. With minerals and metals playing a critical role in the energy transition and geopolitical shifts, robust industry-wide data is crucial for stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and civil society, to make informed decisions. The dataset aims to enhance transparency and accountability throughout global supply chains, contributing to evidence-based policy-making and effective governance.
What's Next?
ICMM plans to expand and improve the dataset through partnerships, focusing on developing key sustainability indicators based on the data. The organization invites regional and global partners from academia, consultancies, governments, and commodity associations to collaborate in closing data gaps and improving accuracy, confidence, and coverage. This collaborative approach is expected to further transform the information landscape surrounding the mining and metals sector, providing a credible source of information that captures the sector's multifaceted contributions and impacts.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative by ICMM not only aims to provide comprehensive data but also seeks to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance the dataset's accuracy and coverage. This effort highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the mining and metals sector, which is crucial for achieving global sustainability targets. By inviting partnerships, ICMM is promoting a collective approach to data improvement, which could lead to more informed and effective policy-making and governance in the sector.
