SEMINAR | Social License to Operate in SADC Countries | 18 March 2025

Event Date | 18 Mar 2025 @ 5:00 pm

Event details
Date: 18 March 2025 Time: 5:00 pm - Venue: RSM - Level 32 - Exchange Tower, 2 The Esplanade, Perth
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Dear Members and Friends,

We are pleased to invite you to an insightful discussion on a key topic for the mining sector: Social License to Operate (SLO), with a particular focus on mining in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

As you know, SLO is increasingly recognized as a crucial element for the success and sustainability of mining projects. Investors, regulators, and stakeholders alike view it as a fundamental consideration in ensuring the viability of projects. However, challenging socio-economic conditions, uncertain political regimes, and less mature regulatory frameworks often pose significant hurdles to achieving and maintaining SLO in Africa.

In this session, we will explore the complex challenges that impede long-term project success, including:

  • Systemic barriers preventing sustainable, long-term impacts.
  • Interrelated environmental and social systems that amplify challenges.
  • Short-term political focus hindering long-term project development.
  • Lack of infrastructure such as roads, clean water, and electricity affecting project efficiency and longevity.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Devika Shivadekar, Economist – RSM Australia

Devika is the National Economist at RSM Australia, bringing extensive experience in macroeconomic and financial research across the public and private sectors, with a focus on the APAC region. She monitors key macroeconomic indicators, including growth, inflation, and the labor market, to help clients navigate the evolving economic landscape.

Before joining RSM, Devika held roles at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Bank of America, specializing in macroeconomic coverage of Australia and New Zealand. At RSM, she provides valuable economic insights to middle-market clients, bridging the gap between economic trends and business impacts.
Karien Erasmus, Director, ESG and Climate Services – RSM Australia

Karien is asustainability professional with an advisory career spanning almost 20 years. Hailing from South Africa, Karien has advised the boards and C-suite level executives of several global mining companies on formulating practical climate risk and carbon management plans. Her clients included Gold Fields, Harmony Gold, Anglo American and Ivanhoe Mines. She has worked extensively across Africa including Ghana, Eswatini, Lesotho, DRC and in Nigeria. Karien lived in Nigeria for a year and worked in the Port Harcourt Delta for almost four years.

Karien holds a Master’s Degree in Development Practice and her thesis, which considered the applicability of science-based emission target setting in developing economies, was published by Springer. As a technical specialist Karien has participated, and remains part of, several professional working groups internationally, in South Africa and now in Australia, related to sustainability and climate reporting.
Marcus Birch, Executive Sustainability – Orion Minerals

Marcus has over 30 years of experience in mining and minerals exploration. He holds a BSc Honours in Geology from the University of Exeter and a BCom in economics, accounting and business management from the University of South Africa. Marcus initially began his career as a geologist in the South African gold mining sector, and more recently held senior general management positions in the junior exploration sector.

We look forward to a dynamic discussion that will equip you with valuable insights and strategies to help navigate these challenges and drive long-term success in African mining projects.

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Event details
Date: 18 March 2025 Time: 5:00 pm - Venue: RSM - Level 32 - Exchange Tower, 2 The Esplanade, Perth
Quick actions Register Sponser Event Return to Events

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