Nearly half (44%) of global mining companies rank licence to operate (LTO) as the biggest risk to their business, according to EY’s Top 10 Business Risks and Opportunities – 2020, which shortlists the top 10 risks facing the sector.
The report states that a holistic approach to LTO remains vital, as the sector continues to redefine its image as a sustainable and responsible source of the world’s minerals, amid rising volatility due to tighter regulations, global trade tensions, and increased pressure from activist investors.
Paul Mitchell, EY Global Mining & Metals Leader, says LTO is impacted by increased expectations of all mining stakeholders, including investors and consumers.
“In today’s climate, increased social pressure could result in a complete loss of licence, so a clear branding strategy is required to address shifting societal expectations. Perceptions of the sector as being old fashioned and dirty need to be challenged, and so building a social bond is make-or-break. Miners need to be part of the solution, not the problem, by engaging with topics including the circular economy and green mining of the future.”
Rising concerns on how to find and upskill the future workforce
Risks relating to the future of the mining workforce rose from seventh position last year, to second in the 2019 ranking. The report indicates that as digital and technological innovation, including automation, deliver large improvements in productivity, safety and environmental management, the mining workforce will need vastly different skillsets. Given the competitive global market for digital and data-related skills, the mining sector may find it hard to compete, particularly in light of its brand perception compared to other industries.
Mitchell says the mining sector is currently grappling with what the future workforce looks like and how to make the transition. A recent EY study found that 77 per cent of occupations across the sector are set to be enhanced or redesigned by 2030 because of technological advancements.
“By better understanding the future skills required, miners will be able to strategically plan their workforce and sustain their competitive advantage in global markets. Businesses should start by defining where they want to get to and begin planning now.”
Digital effectiveness remains a pressing sector risk
Digital effectiveness fell one place to third position in the ranking, as value extraction from digital implementation remains a key sector challenge. The report indicates that mining executives recognise digital effectiveness is the key to sustainable productivity and margin improvement, while technological innovation has the potential to drive major improvements in safety and enhance LTO.
Mitchell says end-to-end digital is no longer optional for mining businesses and is now a key differentiator for achieving sustainable productivity and margin improvement. Rather than seeing it as a threat, mining businesses should see it as a great opportunity to innovate, collaborate, evolve and thrive.
“Obtaining the right data and making it actionable are critical components to unlocking the value from digital investments. Data optimisation is a huge untapped opportunity for the mining sector, however, this requires a clear view around the issues and outcomes, so that appropriate actions can be taken and real value can be realised.”
The 2020 ranking also saw four new entrants:
- Reducing cost of carbon: The transition to a low-carbon economy is underway and the pressure to accelerate this transition seems to grow every day.
- High-impact risks: Company-destroying risks that may be low frequency and less visible tend to be rare and, as a result, may not be examined. However, some of these risks may be catastrophic in terms of value destruction.
- Replacement of production: Miners grapple with how to meet future demand, in light of the challenges of opening new mines and depleting resources.
- Innovation: Given the lack of R&D spending across the sector, innovation could be a huge opportunity for first movers.