Coming Soon..... Indonesia: Mining for Civilization

 More to come soon. 

Energy Sustainability

“We must accept that we have to make hard choices in this generation to bring about real changes for future generations and the planet. Politicians and the industry must get real.”

This is quoted from the report released by the World Energy Council (WEC) in partnership with the global consulting firm Oliver Wyman.  The report titled, World Energy Trilemma: Time to get real – the case for sustainable energy policy gives a overview of energy sustainability and methodology to achieve this.  

The three noted dimensions of energy sustainability

The World Energy Council’s definition of energy sustainability is based on three core dimensions - energy security, social equity, and environmental impact mitigation. 

The development of stable, affordable, and environmentally-sensitive energy systems defies simple solutions. These three goals constitute a ‘trilemma’, entailing complex interwoven links between public and private actors, governments and regulators, economic and social factors, national resources, environmental concerns, and individual behaviors.

Corporate Sustainability Leaders

In the world of corporate responsibility, CSR has become a “buzzword” and is becoming part of many industries, mining and exploration included.  CSR, is alternatively known as being a “good corporate citizen” or paying attention to the triple-bottom line of “people, planet, profit.”

This year DNV Two Tomorrows conducted its 9th annual global research of corporate responsibility best practices using the Tomorrow's Value criteria, a research tool designed to answer "Who are the CSR leaders?' question.  It looked at best practices in the 25 largest companies by revenue in the Americas, Europe and Asia and 19 Dow Jones Sustainability Index supersector leaders from 2011. 

Who are the leaders in CSR?  Typically consumer brands and technology companies gain much of our attention and create a lot of hype surrounding their marketing campaigns.  They are creating important approaches that will revolutionize the way we do business. 

Outside of these limelight sectors is another category, industries with historically risky, messy and challenging operations - petroleum, mining, heavy manufacturing.  Although rarely seen as models of sustainability, many have pioneered leadership in some of the most important areas of corporate responsibility.  These systems are not perfect, and when they fail, consequences can be disastrous and fatal.  But it is this risk that has driven such leading edge practices. 

 
Overall, companies are learning that there are some practical and profitable applications by focusing on protecting the environment, being proactive regarding health and safety of employees, or working with indigenous and local populations beyond what is required by government regulations.

What do you see as the future trends for CSR?

Indonesia: Mining for Civilization (sneak peak)

Have a look at a sneak peak preview of the exclusive upcoming documentary, Indonesia: Mining for Civilization

type in the password: ameaintel 

for the sneak peak. 

Filming and production on the mining communities begins the 31st of October and planned completion and program to be ready by mid November.  

Contact the team at AMEA for more details! info@ameaintel.com

AMEA is the associated media broadcast partner for Asia Pacific Mining Conference 2012

Asia Pacific Mining Conference

Jakarta, October 10 - 11, 2012
http://www.apmcindonesia.com/index.html

Background
The world’s economic growth will continue requiring mineral products and source of energy. Undoubtedly mining sector continues to play a significant role in supporting the world’s industrial and economy sectors and Indonesia has been one of major contributors in the world industrial and economy landscape as exporter country and as well as investment destination. With the recent improved investment ratings, Indonesia is in the best position to leverage the opportunities.
It is great time for Indonesia to show the world of its potentials, investment opportunities and particularly for its mining industry to tap the world and regional’s capacity for its benefits. The followings are some relevant references:

• World Trade in 2050 will jump from $37 trillion in 2010 to $287 trillion in 2050 (Citigroup‘s Report, Oct 2011)
• Indonesia has set the long-term development plan, MP3EI
• Prices for mining commodities are expected to rise with the demand increase.
• Mining companies continue to face some major challenges for sustainable growth:

• Performance improvement and cost savings are key challenges to cope with rising demand
• Rise of resource nationalism is of major concern
• Miners are facing a political landscape that has become more intertwined with operations, resulting in a direct hit to bottom lines.
• Taxation has become an issue at the forefront of CEOs' minds. Mining companies are also contending with a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in developing markets.

• Improving safety and reducing the environmental impact will be ongoing goals.
• "Low-carbon" production of minerals is increasingly important in the years to come
• The world demands for energy continue to grow and coal is anticipated to contribute a significant portion of the Indonesia‘s energy mix in 2050
• Indonesia has become a popular source for emerging markets like China and India, and as a major supplier for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
• There are a number of companies holding significant cash, looking for access to new reserves or expansion into new territories.
• However, Indonesia is yet to set a favorable investment climate with right regulatory framework, infrastructure and government supports

Tell your sustainability story!

Pictures tell a thousand words and creative visuals are the best way to engage audiences worldwide on serious concerns. In the highly active world of sustainability communications, presentations, film documentaries, as well as case study success stories are all commonplace—and often very strong tools to highlight the numerous environmental, social, and economic challenges and opportunities facing global business today.  Then the question becomes, in the mid of all this creative dissonance for the greater good, how will your company’s own sustainability story stand out from the crowd? 

Today Major Corporations focus on the following:

In the universe of communications and creative marketing strategy often poses the question of:  What will my company’s sustainability story stand out in comparison to my competitors?  

I laughed while reading the blog article How highly  Networked Non-Profits Are Using Social Media to Power Change written by social media specialists Beth Kanter. In a recent post, Kanter describes the “living case study,” as a constantly evolving picture that paints a beautiful image on issues or causes by piggy backing, not simply celebrating the arrival. As Kanter writes, “While the traditional case study is tidy, packaged, and finished—the living case study is open to feedback, questions, thoughts, and most of all, empowerment of peers.” 

This idea of sharing a complex work-in-progress to audiences engaged in sustainable business is not new one. This is the case with retail giant Wal-mart, that has been telling the story of its intense and highly complex journey towards sustainability that has been in progress for many years. Which as a result of  has opened Wal-Mart  up to everything from extreme criticism to praise from analysts, environmentalists, media, corporate leaders, consumers, and key player.  One can argue that Wal mart’s approach to opening itself up to multiple stakeholders on how to minimize its global environmental footprint has been a large part of its sustainability success to date.

 

And while airing ones dirty laundry isn’t every corporation’s cup of tea, here are some reasons to consider sharing your sustainability struggles as you go:

1. Do thing others have not done. Learn from others who have faced. If you ask for help to solve a particular challenge that’s keeping you up at night, you just might get it.
2. Social media loves social inquiry. Show your challenges publicly through social media channels. Start a blog tracking your sustainability efforts. See who responds and engages. They might just become your next biggest advocate—or most loyal consumer.
3. True leaders have the guts to reach out and engage.; Leadership today is no longer equated with top-down, informative messaging and communications. Include multiple voices into your policy for impact and change. The more you share, the more you stand to gain from the perspective of others. 

Updates - OceanaGold

Recently on companyinsight.net.au,  Mick Wilkes the MD of Oceanagold was interviewed on the updates of their gold project in the Philippines.  Below are some excerpts of this interview, to see the full version please visit:   Company Insight - Oceanagold

Highlights of Interview
Recent & expected improved operating performance of New Zealand operations. Strong progress at Didipio.  Production timing, production levels & operating costs. Explains Philippines mining sector reform & implications for OGC. Success of locally owned Didipio Community Development Corporation ('DiCorp'). Explains recently signed US$225 million debt facility, giving funding flexibility. Feedback about OceanaGold from the Diggers & Dealers conference. Current investor proposition & future growth for the Company.

Q: What are the implications for OceanaGold after the Philippines Government signed the 'Executive Order 79' which covers Philippines mining sector reform?

MD & CEO, Mick Wilkes: The Executive Order is designed to ensure a more responsible, sustainable and equitable mining industry in the Philippines.  So, we view the Executive Order as a positive for reform for the mining industry in the Philippines, but more importantly for us because it will clear the way for the approval for an extension of our current exploration permit.  We expect this approval to come through in the next month or two and we are ready to drill some near mine prospects.

Importantly, the Government has said they will regulate more rigorously small scale mining to improve environmental management.  They also want to improve the transparency of the mining industry which will increase the confidence of foreign investors to invest in mining in the Philippines.

Q: The Company has discussed the strong local support for the project and the establishment of the locally-owned cooperative 'DiCorp'. Can you elaborate on DiCorp and how it is involved with the project?

MD & CEO, Mick Wilkes:  The Didipio Community Development Corporation ('DiCorp') is an entity initiated by OceanaGold, and DiCorp's shareholders are long term residents around Didipio.  Its purpose is to help develop skills to provide services for the long term operation of mines.
The shareholders will benefit from being able to develop these skills, but also through sharing in the profits that DiCorp generates.  DiCorp already has around 80 employees and that will increase to around 200 over the next 6 months as more contracts are awarded at the Didipio mine site.

DiCorp is already contracted to maintain the access road, operate the employee bus service, carry out the waste collection service and it also has the cleaning contract for the mining camp.  These types of companies have been set up successfully in other countries and it is turning out to be very successful for DiCorp's shareholders and for OceanaGold.

Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri!

To all of our friends from all of us at AMEA!

Philippine rebound to be sustained?

Interesting article published in The Edge, Singapore.

The author argues that Philippine's rebound is in fact sustainable and investors should look deeper than the "legions of cynics."  The key points in the argument are as follows:

Positives accumulating -
1. Inflation is falling
2. Country risk premium is falling
3. Economy more resilient to external shocks
4. Govt stability increasing

 Investment deterrents easing-
1. Philippines is one of the highest concentrations of minerals in the world, but restrictive regulations that were deterring investments are gradually being removed
2. Major investment in infrastructure has been announced in the new budget
3. Steps being taken by administration to enhance the investment climate - campaign against corruption, increase in BPO growth.

 However, challenges remain - weak infrastructure, high utility costs, to name a few result in Philippines ranking not too highly in international rankings. However, with good policy making, these can be overcome. Please click on link below for the full article:

Manu Bhaskaran: Can the Philippines’ rebound be sustained?
Monday, 16 July 2012

© 2012 - The Edge Singapore

What are your thoughts?

Philippines: The Sustainable Path Premiere on CHANNEL NEWS ASIA!

OceanaGold Philippines mine now fully funded

OceanaGold Philippines mine now fully funded

What Good PR Is Really All About

In April, one of the world’s most famous and successful PR companies created a massive, large scale PR campaign for a huge ‘globally diversified natural resources group’ operating in India. This marketing campaign had a vice-like grip on all possible avenues of social media in India: poster advertisements, slogans, online platforms like YouTube. It had the tagline “Creating Happiness””.

However, this whole charade was reduced to a farce in no time- ultimately and unexpectedly backfiring. Its apparent false claims and sugarcoating hid important and disturbing facts. Shockingly, despite its slew of emotionally charged advertisements, The company violated laws in mining, got clearances based on false information, illegally built refineries.

Mining companies out there need to take note of the way industry is portrayed to the public. However, what is of concern now is the second step, which is part of the publicity job: not all publicity is good publicity, especially not in this industry! We all assume that public relations do not include concealing facts in a desperate bid to change mindsets- but it’s something even the best PR companies fall prey to.

What good PR is really about then: it’s about honesty, realistic targets, and is ultimately open to criticism and suggestions. Having worked with those on the ground, its what AMEA believes in as well. According to the article “How to tell your sustainability story: the messier, the better” , good pr nowadays in fact is the opposite of spewing out positive, ambitious promises and sugarcoating. It is in fact being humble, airing your dirty laundry and being honest- in fact, it’s the only way to do business nowadays.

What we think is: go slow and steady. Progress may be quicker with easy PR, but we believe in going for sustainability and social understanding step by step.

APEC Sustainable Mining: Can Investments and Sustainable Developments happen in tandem?

About a week ago, the fourth meeting of APEC Ministers responsible for Mining was held in Russia.There was consent amongst the participating countries of the increasing importance of sustainable development in mining. Other issues brought up included  increasing social responsibility, innovations and Investments. 

What is the significance of this ? Obviously, there is a need to alter our business structures in a way that directly and sincerely addresses the issue of environment and sustainability. It’s time to get serious- social responsibility is increasing in its importance and is becoming today more of a criteria than something we can choose to address.

Another thing that caught my attention is the issue of investments. Yes, we all know and recognize the value of investments. But what value does it have in the context of sustainable development?

In countries such as Indonesia and Philippines, it is imperative to pay attention to and adapt to the economic and social situations of the country. Economic disasters, social unrest, protests- all these upset the possible flow of investment into a country that might need it, ultimately curbing the potential that investments might offer to developing the country and the industry. Investments have the power to nurture and grow sustainable development, which requires no small effort nor investments. Innovations, education, and so on- these require copious amounts of money.

So besides being vigilant, how does a country create an attractive investment climate? This issue was discussed by APEC Ministers Responsible for Mining. Governments will need to make an effort to improve living standards. Resource management is crucial to the initiative as well, as well as steps to boost regulatory efficiency and mitigate the environmental impact of the industry.

Ultimately, will making an effort to reach out to the society also help? Bridging the gap between the public and industry to strengthen ties may be the step needed to attract investors, as well as continued communications between all stakeholders.   

VIMEO

Our Vimeo Page is up and running! Click the icon to take a look at our compilation of interviews, documentaries and shared videos with others in the industry. 

Philippines poised to join the ranks of World's Tiger Economies

According to international experts, Philippines  has the opportunity to join the ranks of the world’s tiger economies of Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Under the Aquino administration, Philippines is positioned for huge growth-  However, this is not without its challenges. The Philippine boom may continue, but not without further economic reform.   

Ultimately, it is undeniable that with its many strengths, Philippines will become a force to reckon with. Its large population (with its potential to drive growth), the ability of the population to speak english- making it number 2 in the world for Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) and its vast resources (the world’s fifth richest in natural resources) are natural endowments that can potentially spur the economy to greater heights.

Stay tuned as we continue AMEA’s sustainability series of the Philippines with  - Philippines: The Sustainable Path  - premiering on Channel News Asia on July 19th at 9.30pm . Catch repeats on July 20th at 10:30am, July 21st at 3:30pm and July 22nd at 5:30pm.

Watch how mining, in tandem with sustainable development contributes to the economy’s growth. Keep in the know with sustainability!

Sustainability: A Woman's Role

Rio+20 left behind in its trail a myriad of companies, industries, governments and politicians grappling for new concepts and solutions; ways to basically revamp and redirect initiatives and policies to suit the new agenda. Sustainable Development- to put it concisely, the phrase of the century. 

Another issue brought up in the light of Rio+20, however, is the interesting question: amidst the mad rush to fit environmental concerns into the intricate, profit driven structures of our businesses, what is a woman's role in all this? Alas, the idea of sustainable development and gender equity has come into play. 

Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women, speaks at a press conference on “The Future Women Want”, at the Rio+20 UN Conference. 

I came across a few articles which piqued my interest greatly, mostly because it is an issue often neglected, overlooked and sometimes even belittled. Helen Clark (head of the United Nations Development Program) spoke in the wake of the Rio Summit, emphatically stating that the greatest investment to be made in sustainable development is women. Which means that in the midst of restructuring, launching new initiatives and so on, let us not forget as well the importance of women's political participation, developing economic opportunities for women, their education and health services. Helen is definitely not alone in her sentiments. The UN Under-Secretary-General Sha Zukang spoke at a recent women and sustainable development conference hosted by All-China Women’s Federation in Beijing in November, stating “I have said it before – and I say it again today – that in many ways, sustainability is about women. Society flourishes when women’s leadership, creativity, and initiative are recognized, embraced, and harnessed. In many countries, women are the champions of green economy, practicing sustainable agriculture, nurturing our natural resources, and promoting renewable energy.” Why exactly is it important to include women? It is more than just taking a blind stand for gender equality. As mentioned in stakeholder forum.org :

-Women’s indigenous knowledge of ecological linkages and ecosystem management are the main labour force for subsistence production.

-Women are more likely to be around, more stable part of the population—they are more likely to make a long term commitment and investment in their communities.

-Women have often played leadership roles or taken the lead in promoting an environmental ethic re-cycling, local level activities.

-There’s been a rapid growth of women’s NGOs working at local, national and international level.

This, in fact is not new. The Rio Development, the Millennium Development Goals (specifically, MDG 3 which speaks about how women's equality is critical as well to achieving sustainable development) and the Beijing Platform (read about it here) all recognise the fundamental truth- that is, environmental issues are women's issues. Melanie Verveer, the Ambassador-at-large for Global's Women's Issues, made a speech at the Heinrich Boll Foundation Event on January the 19th. She mentioned the vital roles that women have played in sustainable development, emphasizing yet again their role- not as victims, but as linchpins of the 21st century directive. 

Here, i re-iterate some of those roles:

1. Agriculture sector and food security

2.Untapped potential for increasing energy access

3.Consumer Spending Potential

And ultimately, what we can do to progress from a hypothetical platform of words to action and achievement:

1. Continue to elevate women’s leadership and participation in key policy bodies

2. Mainstream these issues at the policy level

3. Invest in girls’ and women’s educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), including in the environmental sciences

4. Build new and innovative programs and partnerships designed to take the kinds of concrete actions necessary to effectuate change

It is important that we recognize that we have a part to play in the environment- including the especially the mining industry. But here's an interesting point to note and ponder: what can we do to empower those who can help the most? 

Click here to watch a short UN clip on women and sustainable development. 

RIO+20 Summit: Sustainable Development!

The first ever Rio Summit (held in 1992) was pregnant with symbolic meaning- 172 governments participated, with 108 sending their heads of state or government, and Some 2,400 representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) attended. 
Today,  it achieves a sense of direction towards something new, in largely unchartered waters. The notion of sustainable development will be recasted, broadened, redefined. In short, this phrase will probably be the driving force of the 21st century, molding the sphere in which politics and businesses operate. There's hope yet. Sustainable Development used to be a sleep-inducing phrase, largely (or solely) associated with that elusive concept of 'going green'. Not anymore- it's now charged, alive, well defined. It includes aiming for the eradication of poverty and social inclusion. What's so great about Rio+20? Well, for one, this idea of sustainable development has already made some changes in way benchmarks are determined- yes, even in the largely competitive world of business. Accountability of governments and businesses are emphasized, and systems implemented to ensure their participation in this new initiative. "Sustainability Reporting" will be taking its place in the business arena. The creation of ambitious aspirations echo the past- except now, there are hard deadlines. The  Millennium Development Goals, designed to alleviate poverty, has already galvanized organisations around that task. Finally we see some drive!

Representatives discuss

Countries involved in Rio+20

This has implications for the mining industry as well- in fact, especially for the mining industry. Mining has received some serious bad press over the decades, owing to a slew of unfortunate events and the knowledge of the scarcity of resources. "Sustainable Development", therefore, can either be the phrase from hell or a blessing in disguise. Responsible and sustainable mining would be the first step. You now know why its important-we adapt to the 21st century, not resist it. Push aside all misgivings; its inconvenience pays off in the long run. Being part of a powerful initiative that changes the way your community sees you is more than important; it's necessary. In short, it can be a blessing in disguise- adapt to it, make it a priority. You'll be an integral part of the trend that reaches out to save the environment. That makes the Earth a better place for living. 

More so than just that, we all have a moral obligation to contribute or at least replenish what we take away, to carry out our duties to the environment and the community around us. As stated in the Rio+20 common statement: We are consuming resources faster than the Earth can regenerate them, and producing more waste and pollution than the Earth can absorb. There is scientific consensus that Planet Earth is rapidly approaching its boundaries of a healthy and safe environment conducive to a life of dignity. 

More than just being the world's biggest UN Conference in history, this meeting has important consequences for everyone, especially businesses around the globe. We need to change the way we see things, and to make a difference. 

Here are some things to check out:

Interesting articles for your information:

• Reasons to be cheerful about the Rio+20
• The Rio+20 Common Statement

And more about Indonesia taking the lead!

• Indonesia hosts a preparatory meeting towards the UN environmental summit
• Indonesia spearheads in global initiatives to address sustainable development issue

An interesting interactive video: place your vote!

With over a decade of combined experience in the media and communications industry, AMEA Market Intelligence was created as a platform to combine key aspects of effectively projecting a brand. Be it a country, corporation or innovative niche industry. 

Our mission is to provide outcome based creative solutions with a holistic approach to clients across Asia Middle East and Africa by maximizing the platforms of communications toward achieving the end goal.