Webinar: The impact of VSIs in mining

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out a plan of action for socially and environmentally sound economic development.

Many mineral-rich developing countries rely on the mining sector as an engine for this economic development. Ensuring that mining is socially and environmentally sound, and contributes to advancing the SDGs, requires extra efforts from policy-makers and the private sector alike.

This reality has led to exponential growth in the number and use of private voluntary sustainability initiatives (VSIs) in the mining sector, implicating the private sector, consumers and civil society. The increasing number of VSIs in the mining sector gives rise to challenges in the multiplicity of these initiatives, making it increasingly difficult for stakeholders to stay informed on their utility, performance and best practices.

The webinar, taking place December 5 at 9:00 a.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. UTC, highlights the emergence and uptake of VSIs in the mining sector and will discuss the potential impacts they could have in contributing to the design of public policy for meeting SDGs. The webinar will also provide an opportunity for participants to discuss and learn more on the findings of the IISD CARE analysis for some of the VSI mining initiatives studied, which explores their coverage, assurance, responsiveness and engagement with regards to sustainability issues.

Presenters:

• Laura Turley, Associate, IISD
• Matthew Wenban-Smith, Associate, IISD

Read State of Sustainability Initiatives Review: Standards and the extractive economy for more information.