Build trust and improving public perception in mining

A panel exploring How to Improve the Public’s Perception of the Mining Industry discussed practical steps for mining companies to strengthen accountability and better connect with communities, spotlighting the sector’s key role in Australia’s sustainable future.

Caoilin Chestnutt, Head of Corporate Technical Services at Thiess, spoke about the importance of addressing past challenges while meeting today’s higher standards for ESG and net-zero goals.

“As a mining industry, we're tackling legacy issues. We didn't always get it right, and it takes a long, long time to rectify those things,” she said.

To build trust, Chestnutt noted that listening to community needs is essential, sharing an example in which her team set up an education program for a community but soon found that more immediate needs, like access to clean water and sanitation, were a priority.

“If you can invest in sustainable, diverse economies that run in parallel, so that’s sustained long after the resources in the ground are depleted, then you really leave a legacy behind, and to me, that is what this net positive is all about.”

Panellists also agreed that transparency is also vital in this space.

Helen Degeling, Manager of ReMine Plus at Cobalt Blue, pointed out that while the industry has often kept information private to protect intellectual property, this approach needs to shift to demonstrate its commitment to responsible practices and sustainable development.

“Transparency is a cornerstone of public trust. For too long, the mining industry has kept certain operations confidential but to build trust, we need to be more open about what we're doing and why.”

Steph Byrom, General Manager of Decarbonisation at Loop Decarbonisation Solutions, highlighted the importance of social licence, describing a project that ended in “community revolt”, because they weren’t included from the beginning.

“We ended up with 1500 complaints a year compared to our neighbouring mine which had 17 that year because we did not include community impact in the mine plan. I mean how simple is that to do it? It's almost like you can get more tonnes out if you get people on side. This is not a one or the other.”

Byrom also addressed the value of fostering a diverse workforce to change public perception – beyond crucial gender diversity.

“How do we include local communities, people of colour, diverse backgrounds, not just women?”

Looking to the future, the panel stressed the importance of engaging younger generations too.

Chestnutt urged the industry to bring these conversations into schools and homes, saying, “we need to take these conversations out of our boardrooms and meeting rooms and into our living rooms and into the schools.”

Michelle Lawson, Non-Executive Director of AusIMM added, “How we communicate our values and our achievements plays a significant role in building trust and accountability. As we look ahead, the voices of emerging professionals are critical in shaping the future of mining.”