3. ESG issues (environmental, social and governance criteria)

ESG (environment, social, and governance) now brings these three themes together into an overarching framework that can help a mining or metals-using company navigate and balance benefits for the planet, people and profit successfully.

ESG has come to the fore mainly because investors are demanding greater attention to environmental, social and governance issues and data. In short, investors are beginning to look beyond financial statements and now want to consider an organization's ethics, competitive advantage and culture. They have also proposed new standards and frameworks against which mining investments should be assessed.

The following issues are covered by the ESG criteria:

• environment: biodiversity, ecosystem services, water management, mining and metallurgical wastes and residues,...