Mining & Metals

The World Bank finds that extraction of energy transition minerals will need to increase five-fold by 2050 to meet demand for clean energy technologies (World Bank, 2017), in addition to the fast-growing demands outside of the transition itself. Even with the current climate of policies which are largely designed to fast-track critical minerals to the market, it takes roughly 10 to 15 years to bring new mines online.

At ERM, we have been helping miners overcome legacy issues and work through challenges to help design, bring to production, optimize and ultimately help create world-class operations.

These challenges are often exacerbated by budgeting and supply issues (cost management, mineral supply-demand fluctuations), regulatory pressures (i.e. amplified scrutiny from governments, investors, and society), increasingly difficult operating conditions due to climate pressure, tricky geology and geopolitics, and safety concerns within an industry marred by questionable health and safety track record.  

At ERM, we know how to deal with the most complex of mining issues because, since 1971, we have been working with our clients to resolve them, to build a more resilient projects and portfolios, and to craft socially responsible and more profitable operations.

ERM’s capabilities align seamlessly with the mission and vision of building The Mine We All Want To See, from a new country entry risk assessment, through license to operate and H&S operational challenges, all the way to reclaiming the closure value; from deep geological orebody studies, through pioneering engineering operational transformations, to innovative mine closure solutions; from simple regulatory compliance to understanding a complex web of how various standards affect each stage of the mine operation; from a simple Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), through asset technological optimization within their ecosystems (however challenging), to developing an environmental strategy that can be implemented in practice, protecting bottom line. We can offer miners a view of how the world will look like for them in the future, through our scenario analysis linked to energy transition.

Our work on accelerating minerals to market through removing obstacles to mine approvals is ongoing and already has provided many clients with a route to developing their assets. This ongoing work has benefited critical minerals’ explorers, as much as it has our clients in trickier jurisdiction.

ERM’s team of experts can address the strategic, operational, technical and tactical challenges encountered by major, mid-tier, and junior mining companies worldwide, including in jurisdictions where others do not have experience in. 
 
Our long-honed expertise includes, among others:  

• Technical and expert services dedicated to exploration, feasibility and mine development planning. 
• Helping companies to bring new mines online though understanding the unique challenges of the process and designing solutions that work
• Realigning overall ESG strategies to maximize valuation and reputation.  
• Enhancing H&S strategies and practical incident prevention through developing and managing operational risks and controls.  
• Advancing strategic and practical decarbonization throughout the value chain, from mining equipment to processing and transportation. 
• Formulating water stewardship strategies and advanced technical solutions. 
• Expert knowledge of stakeholder engagement issues, tackling social concerns, human rights, stakeholder mapping and management, political advisory, and conflict resolution. 
• Providing functional safety services, including certifications, machinery safety, and compliance with safety regulations. 
• Enhancing data and resource efficiency, streamlining systems, and providing information solutions.  
• Expert advice in the complete product life cycles and stewardship. 
• Conducting independent evaluations to guide decisions on mergers, acquisitions, due diligence and compliance assessments. 

The projects undertaken in collaboration with our mining clients yield substantial increases in value throughout the mining lifecycle. If a particular service you are looking for is not listed, please contact us – chances are that we can help you.