How has the conversation around sustainability in mining evolved?

Consultants like SRK have been talking about sustainability for the better part of the last four decades, but the conversation is no longer restricted to reducing the environmental impact of mining operations. It now extends across the full mining value chain and, as engineers and scientists serving the mining sector, our role is to bring sustainability into the discussion at an early stage e.g. the mine planning stage.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) must now include contingencies for preventing environmental and social impacts, not just mitigation plans. Environmental considerations go well beyond carbon management. We must take into account climate change risk and support clients in adapting and building resilience in regions exposed to extreme weather events. 

SRK is celebrating 15 years in the DRC. How has your approach in the country evolved and what opportunities do you see in the broader region, including Zambia?

We now have a strong on-the-ground understanding of local conditions and a strategic position to work across the Copperbelt and the eastern region. Despite featuring as a high-risk jurisdiction, the DRC continues to attract investment. Over the last decade, Chinese investment has grown significantly. We have learnt a lot about working with Chinese companies, who often preferred to work with contractors back home – which is understandable. We responded by working closely with the SRK Beijing office and creating a multi-country team involving South Africa, DRC and China –which has opened many doors. 

Our Congolese practice is ARSP-compliant, with 51% owned by Congolese citizens. While fully compliant with localization legislation, we will continue to develop local capabilities and create opportunities for Congolese professionals.

SRK also has a long history in Zambia. Today, rising copper demand and a pro-mining government are driving rapid growth in the Zambian sector, with significant activity on the ground, especially in copper. 

Which areas of mining expertise are most at risk of being lost as senior professionals retire?

There are skills shortages across mining disciplines, but the most glaring gap is in tailings engineering. There is also a clear age gap, with too few professionals between 35 and 55. The problem is that fresh graduates often lack practical mining experience. Previous generations gained much of their training post-university, directly on mines, but those opportunities are now limited. 

At SRK, we provide bursaries, internships, post-graduate training, and development schemes. Even retaining just 20% of our trainees benefits us, as others gain experience elsewhere and may work with us again as clients or employees. 

How can mining operations evolve to become more circular and what are the biggest barriers to implementing circularity? 

Mining operations can evolve to become more circular by adopting practices that prioritize resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the reuse or recycling of materials throughout the mining lifecycle. Barriers include high initial costs, market volatility and lack of incentives to change.  Furthermore, technological challenges need to be overcome.

In countries experiencing mining booms like the DRC and, more recently, Guinea, what are the main risks in terms of policy and regulation lagging behind investment? 

Mining involves significant uncertainty because it requires long-term investment in exploration and development phases, which typically generate negative cash flow before production starts. Poor or absent regulation leads to inconsistencies that deter investors, while secure tenure remains essential. For instance, Mali's recent move toward nationalizing mines has likely discouraged investment where legislation is not clear or not developed.

What are the main trends, commodities, jurisdictions that call for attention in 2025-2026? 

The mining industry in 2025-2026 will be shaped by the global energy transition, technological advancements, and geopolitical shifts. Critical minerals like lithium, copper and nickel will dominate attention. However, with the current geo-political tensions and inflation, precious metals  - in particular the safe haven status of gold and more lately silver - will drive demand. Jurisdictions with stable regulatory environments and abundant resources will attract investment. However, challenges such as resource nationalism, ESG compliance, and supply chain disruptions will require careful navigation.