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BSI South Africa calls on mining firms to tighten ESG focus

30 August 2022

BSI South Africa calls on mining firms to tighten ESG focus

BSI South Africa is calling on mining organizations to tighten their ESG focus in order to meet global targets on sustainability.

With just a little over five years left to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG17), the implementation and integration of an ESG framework in businesses are key for long-term sustainability.

Sustainability has shifted from being a buzzword to being a necessity and priority for businesses, and it is key to look at how strategy is in line with ESG framework when planning for economic growth, resilience and success in the future.

It should be noted that legal risk mitigation and sustainability investment framework are closely associated; it is now not only common practice but a legal requirement for organizations to ensure their ESG compliance. In addition, investors are increasingly required to embed ESG factors into investment processes.

The British Standards Institution South Africa (BSI) has been assisting organizations with solutions which not only ensure compliance but also improve performance and embed excellence. Their global presence within 193 countries has seen them establish a compliance framework within a variety of industries and organizations.

“Compliance framework requires the inclusion of structures and processes to reduce and eventually eliminate non-compliance. At BSI we ensure this, and furthermore, will guide organizations through assessments of the efficiency of their current policies, practices, behaviors, and attitudes, and safeguard them from overlooking any gaps,” explains BSI regional managing director, Theuns Kotze.

Environmental, social and governance measures are key for investors, policymakers and other important stakeholders. It is a way to uphold businesses from future risks and ensure economic success and growth. Furthermore, the framework facilitates top-line growth in the long run, attracts competent staff, decreases costs and creates a sense of trust among consumers and stakeholders.

In June 2021, the department of Mineral Resources and Energy recorded the highest growth rate in the first quarter – mining recorded 18.1% growth, contributing 1.2% to the overall 4.6% seasonally adjusted and annualised GDP. This was due to increased production in the (platinum group minerals) PGMs, iron ore and gold.

“Mining companies need to set regular targets, have transparent progress reports and continuously refine their approach. Furthermore, they must demonstrate that they not only understand risks and opportunities of ESG but also display a commitment to addressing them in their day-to-day operations.

“To ensure continued investment in the mining industry and cement the industry’s contribution to the national economy, it is key to look at frameworks that ensure adoption and adherence to ESG strategy. It is important to note that ESG is not a once-off priority – it requires to be ingrained into the essence of the organization’s strategy, planning and purpose,” adds Kotze.

BSI also guides organizations embarking on a plan to achieve enhanced resilience via sustainability where the first steps may be to achieve compliance, reduce risk and improve their brand reputation. They have a longstanding heritage of offering environmental compliance services that include environmental management, pollution, greenhouse gas management and climate change. Their offer also encompasses energy management compliance, health and safety compliance, business ethics, risk management compliance, and supply chain procurement.

Furthermore, the standards’ offering includes standards that are in line with the UN SDG17. BSI enjoys a unique position, working with clients to help them further their own contribution to the UN SDGs. This rich portfolio of standards and related services and solutions offered to clients, particularly underpin UN SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) as well as, ultimately, many of the individual SDGs.

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About BSI

BSI is the business improvement company that enables organizations to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. For over a century BSI has championed what good looks like and driven best practice in organizations around the world. Working with 84,000 clients across 193 countries, it is a truly international business with skills and experience across a number of sectors including automotive, built environment, food, and healthcare and IT. Through its expertise in Standards Development and Knowledge Solutions, Assurance, Regulatory Services and Professional Services, BSI improves business performance to help clients grow sustainably, manage risk and ultimately be more resilient.

To learn more about BSI please visit www.bsigroup.com/en-za