SUSTAINABILITY
Locally led investment vital for cobalt mining communities While visiting artisanal mines in Kolwezi , Wallisch saw first-hand how locally led investment has a positive societal impact on mining communities .
She visited a community where a women ’ s group was working to redirect finances away from mining and towards education opportunities at a local school .
“ It was eye-opening to see how partnerships can serve the vision of the community rather than trying to direct it for them ,” she said
Wallisch added that , while financial investment is vital for societal improvement , manufacturers whose minerals are being sourced can also support the needs of cobalt mining communities .
“ Through more engagement at a local level , complex manufacturers can better understand how to make impactful investments in these communities and spur future change . This means understanding where raw minerals come from and paying close attention to smelters in the supply chain .”
She added : “ Companies looking to prove responsible mineral sourcing with a focus on strong ESG reporting should seek evidence of what is happening at the local community level .”
The Fair Cobalt Alliance is helping educate communities on safer and better mining practices
Extended Mineral reporting Template ‘ gold standard ’ To this end , the Extended Minerals Reporting Template ( EMRT ) is the international gold standard for outlining data that manufacturers need to focus on when measuring the ESG impact of their mineral sourcing . miningdigital . com 97