By James Hyland
Day 1 of the “Resourcing Tomorrow 2023” conference in London marked a significant milestone in redefining the mining value chain for the energy transition to a low-carbon economy. The event, organized under the watchful eye of Andrew Thake, Divisional Director of Resourcing Tomorrow, brought together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss critical topics shaping the future of mining and its role in the global energy transition.
The day commenced with a ministerial keynote by Nusrat Ghani, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade in the United Kingdom. Ghani emphasized the critical role of mining in the transition to a low-carbon economy, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and innovation in the sector.
Following Ghani’s address, the stage welcomed Mark Bristow, President & CEO of Barrick Gold. Bristow, known for his exceptional leadership in the mining industry, shared insights on how the industry can better resource tomorrow. His emphasis on sustainable stakeholder value and Barrick’s successful exploration and production guidance record offered a forward-looking perspective on the industry’s potential.
The day also featured a keynote fireside chat with Evy Hambro, the Global Head of Thematic and Sector Investing at BlackRock. Interviewed by Jamie Strauss, CEO & Founder of Digbee, Hambro discussed the role of leading institutional investors in shaping the future of mining and resource management.
Joseph Majkut, Director of Energy Security and Climate Change at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, led a fireside chat on the challenges of sourcing and supplying raw materials for energy transition in a complex geopolitical landscape. Mark Kristoff, CEO of Traxys, shared his insights on navigating these complexities.
Prime Minister Akylbek Zhaparoy of the Kyrgyz Republic delivered a prime ministerial keynote, outlining his country’s vision and strategies in the mining sector. This was followed by a ministerial address from H.E. Khalid Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who shared insights into Saudi Arabia’s mining initiatives.
A highlight of the day was the conversation between Frank Giustra and Dominic Barton. Giustra, a renowned Canadian businessman and mining financier, and Barton, a former Global Managing Partner at McKinsey & Company, delved into topics like geopolitical trends, the role of gold in the global monetary system, and the future of mining.
The Resourcing Tomorrow Theatre hosted a panel on “Driving Sustainability and Transformational Change with ESG”. Facilitated by Maria-Yassin Jah from SLR Consulting’s ESG Advisory Team, the panel included prominent figures like Rasheed Abdullah AlRushaid, Mark Bristow, Brian Menell, and Phillips Baker. They discussed bridging the supply gap for metals required in the energy transition, the role of technology, and the impact of policies like the US Inflation Reduction Act on the mining industry.
Oladele Alake, the Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development, provided a ministerial address, sharing Nigeria’s perspective on mining and its role in economic development.
The Mines and Money Pitch Battle was a competitive highlight, with companies like Minera Alamos, Imagine Lithium, and Impact Silver presenting to a panel of investor judges, including Jochen Staiger, Ellis Martin, and others. This session provided a platform for innovative mining projects to showcase their potential.
The day concluded with a networking reception, providing delegates an opportunity to build relationships and discuss the day’s insights.
Overall, Day 1 of Resourcing Tomorrow 2023 set a powerful tone for the conference, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability as key drivers in reshaping the mining industry for a low-carbon future.
