ESG is a term that has been picking up pace in recent years as the world gears
towards a clean energy future.
For those already working in mining, you’ll likely be familiar with the acronym.
But for those that aren’t quite sure, ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and
Governance; a three-pillar framework that helps stakeholders gauge where a
company or operation sits when it comes to sustainability, ethical impact and license
to operate. All of which are massive factors that influence a stakeholder’s decision to
invest in or support a company.
With global pressure to reduce emissions, attention is turning to companies to show
they’re doing the right thing, not just from an environmental perspective, but across
the board.
So where does security fit in to the ESG conversation?
Security isn’t an immediate focus in ESG reporting and discourse, however, at
Goldfields Security Services, we’d like to think of security as the ‘unsung hero’ of
ESG helping companies meet and surpass their ESG requirements across
environmental, social and governance.
After all, security is about protecting all areas of the mine’s ecosystem including:
Employee safety (both physical and psychological)
Protecting assets and equipment
Ensuring no damage is caused to the environment by trespassers or staff
Protecting a mine from anti-social behaviour if it is close to a town, a deterrent to promote a safer community culture.
Risk management governance
The intrinsic link between security and safety
In the Mineral Council of Australia’s ‘ESG: Change for the better’ report it provides a
great summary of why ESG has become a priority for mining executives.
“The success of Australia’s minerals industry, both now and in the future, depends
upon its ability to operate in line with community expectations on environmental,
social and governance (ESG) performance,” MCA states.
“Minerals projects must be safe and environmentally and socially responsible in
order to both make an economic contribution and support societal ambitions.”
We couldn’t agree more. Safety is a non-negotiable for mining operations, not only in
contributing to their social license to operate but attracting talent.
And in today’s ESG-focussed workplace, safety has become multi-faceted,
extending beyond physical safety (i.e preventing workplace incidents and fatalities),
to mental wellbeing and much more which falls under our umbrella of security.
In Deloitte’s ‘Safety 4.0: A new horizon for mining safety’ report, it explores this
theme in depth.
“Today, the world we operate in is increasingly complex and this has shifted the dial
in modern mining safety—expanding into new terrain and adding further light and
shade to traditional ones,” Deloitte states.
“Worker safety is as critical as ever, but for mining leaders, whether executives,
directors or management, the challenge is no longer just keeping people safe
physically but protecting their mental wellbeing—and this means creating a safe
environment for everyone, one free from discrimination, intimidation, bullying,
harassment and isolation, where everyone is respected and supported and diversity
is embraced in all its forms.”
At Goldfields Security Services, this area of safety is one close to our hearts.
We offer a holistic approach to security and safety, looking beyond the lens of
physical safety to encompass a myriad of workplace issues from staff mental health,
sexual harassment to bullying.
Our team are highly trained and have the skills to assess settings and deescalate
situations, if required.
Security and the environment
From an environmental perspective, a strong physical security presence is vital to
safeguard your tenements, minerals and metals extracted, integrity of tailings assets
and surrounding flora and fauna.
No management team wants to deal with the fallout of a security breach, having the
wrong people enter your site and cause damage to the physical environment, your
assets, or be responsible for the leak of any harmful chemicals/particles which could
impact the health and wellbeing of staff and neighbouring communities.
As we know, many mines in the Goldfields region are close to Kalgoorlie and
surrounding towns, which is why we recommend all sites near residential
communities invest in physical security guards to patrol their premises at all times.
Security’s social impact
Security also has a far-reaching impact on a mine’s social and cultural
responsibilities.
Exhibit A: if a mining operation is not properly secured, it may be vulnerable to theft
or vandalism, which can have negative economic and social consequences for the
local community in attracting this kind of antisocial behaviour.
Mine sites are also hazardous environments, which is why it is a company’s
responsibility to ensure it has a water-tight security plan in place to deter people from
trying to enter the site to prevent community-related injuries from occurring.
Governance
Last on the list is Governance. One crucial element of good corporate governance is
conducting regular risk assessments to evaluate potential risks that may be involved
in a projected activity or undertaking.
From here, it is important to identify and implement strategies to mitigate risks and
potential hazards on site and have a plan in place on how to manage complex
internal or external situations if they were to arise.
At Goldfields Security Services, we are experts in risk management, and our team
can take care of all your risk assessments and audits for your Kalgoorlie mining
operations.
Over to you
We think it’s very clear the central role security plays in helping companies meet
their ESG commitments. Our team have the experience, correct training, and latest
technology and equipment to protect your mine.
If you’re interested in improving security and safety at your site, we’d love to hear
from you and we invite you to call us on 0404 449 326 or email
info@goldfieldssecurityservices.com.au.
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