Asset closure
Ensuring that no one is left behind when carbon-intensive assets close before their expected end of life.
Closing assets, whether that is early or in line with existing life of asset plans, and the additional mining required to support the transition, are business as usual for the sector. Mining is, by its nature, a transitional activity. The key challenge for the sector is to ensure that industry best practice is adhered to throughout the lifecycle of any project, from discovery to closure and rehabilitation.
Local communities
Ensuring that the additional mining required to support the transition to a low-carbon future creates real value for those nearest to these new operations.
For Anglo American, our approach to responsible mining is defined in detail in our numerous policies and practices, but most pertinently to the concept of equity and justice, through the Anglo American Social Way and our Responsible Mine Closure toolkit.
It is through these existing policies and practices that our thinking about and support for a just transition is evidenced. We believe that delivery against these standards remains our most significant contribution. However, we continue to listen to and engage with the emerging policy debate, recognising the importance of understanding and reflecting rights holders’ perspectives and interests that could be impacted by our business.
No one left behind
Ensuring the process of decarbonising mining companies’ operations does not leave anyone behind.
The third element is the potential just transition implications of decarbonising our operations. While it is normal, in the course of business, for technologies to evolve so that different skills are needed, we have no evidence to suggest our current decarbonisation pathway has any material impact on our overall employment levels.
