Fireside Chat: Mineral Exploration in Complex Environments

07 Dec 2023, 0930 - 1300 GMT

The Geological Society, London (Hybrid)

Join us for our Fireside Chat: a panel discussion and scenario-based training session, crafted specifically for exploration geologists and professionals within the mineral exploration sector.

The mineral exploration landscape demands a keen grasp of securing a social licence, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management. This event offers practical strategies for meeting these challenges and aligning with ESG standards, essential for investment and asset value growth.

Our goal is simple: to facilitate conversations that highlight current industry shifts and practical responses to the above-ground challenges of mineral exploration.

Our event partners

African Women Walking

Panel Discussion

Specialists from the fields of finance, geology, humanitarian aid, and ESG come together to tackle the wicked problems faced in complex jurisdictions. The panel delves into evolving investment standards, the widening scope of responsibilities for geologist-led teams, conflict sensitive approaches to project delivery, and the nuances of ESG crisis management.

  • An examination of the increasingly rigorous standards for early-stage projects. What criteria are being evaluated now, and how are financiers nudging their portfolio companies toward more sustainable and resilient operations?

  • A dive into the growing complexities and expanded responsibilities faced by geologist-led teams when operating in complex settings. From navigating multi-stakeholder relations to crisis management, this discussion will explore how the role of geologists has evolved to encompass far more than technical expertise.

  • A focused discussion on strategies for gaining community access and acceptance during the crucial start-up phase of a new program or project. Special attention will be given to conflict sensitivity, leveraging humanitarian principles to understand how actions can either exacerbate or mitigate conflict in sensitive areas.

  • Discussion on the challenges of early identification and effective response to crises at the corporate level. Insight into how various signs can be overlooked or misinterpreted and what strategies can be implemented for better crisis anticipation and management

Interactive Scenario Session: From Community Development to Crisis

Participate in an engaging scenario where a community development project unexpectedly gives rise to a grievance, escalating to a crisis. This immersive experience will offer profound insights into the mechanics of crisis management and prevention.

Description:

Imagine your company is in advanced exploration and decides to launch a community development project. Initially well-received, the project suddenly triggers a grievance from the community. As the company deliberates its response, the situation escalates to a catastrophic level, culminating in burnt core sheds and a site evacuation.

 

What Attendees Will Gain:

This scenario will provide invaluable lessons on how well-intentioned actions can lead to unexpected crises. It offers a deep dive into crisis anticipation, effective grievance redressal mechanisms, and immediate actions for de-escalation. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for identifying early warning signals and the skills needed to manage a crisis effectively.

Speakers

  • Sean Kelly

    MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRUBSHAW CUMBERLEGE

    Sean, a former British Army Officer and founder of Trubshaw Cumberlege, specialises in resolving community conflict and enhancing social performance. With his expertise in geopolitical analysis, ground truthing, and integrated management systems, Sean excels in crafting solutions that benefit both communities and corporations.

  • Charlie Stephenson

    ANALYST, ARCH EM PARTNERS

    Charlie is an exploration and mining geologist who started his career in 2013 as a Junior geologist in Turkey. Since then, he has worked on a range of projects across Europe, East Africa, Australia, and Chile before moving into finance as an analyst for a mining focused, boutique stockbrokers.

  • Richard Belcher

    VP EXPLORATION, ANS EXPLORATION

    Richard is a multi-commodity, multi-disciplined explorationist with a strong technical background. 19 years’ post-PhD experience, across all stages of exploration and with an emphasis on gold and base metals. Experience working in Africa, Europe and US, including remote and demanding terrains.

  • Liam Strang

    GLOBAL HEAD OF SECURITY & CRISIS,
    SIGHTSAVERS

    Liam brings two decades of expertise in complex environments, focusing on investigation, crisis response, and security strategy. He expertly handles high-stakes projects in volatile regions, emphasising continuous site access and community engagement for project continuity.

  • Richard Garner

    HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, MSA GROUP

    With over two decades in mining, Richard brings a wealth of experience in environmental management, strategic water solutions, and safety systems, spanning an array of commodities from rare earths and diamonds to coal and iron ore.

  • Jack Cunningham

    ESG DIRECTOR

    Jack, a seasoned ESG professional, operates at senior levels, including Boards. With over 20 years of global experience, he specialises in sustainability strategy, operational implementation, and leading ESG transformations in the mining sector. Jack excels in governance, risk management, and reputation enhancement.

Event Schedule

  • Welcome and introduction to the day's agenda.

  • Specialists from finance, geology, humanitarian aid, and ESG discuss the above-ground challenges faced in complex environments.

  • An opportunity for attendees to network and discuss the panel’s insights.

  • An unfolding crisis: from community development to grievance to catastrophe.

  • Summary of key takeaways and a thank you to attendees and panellists.

  • Following the closing remarks, we cordially invite attendees to join us at the nearby pub (tbc) for a networking pint to conclude our productive day.