ESG Transformation in Metals and Mining
A Deep Dive by ESG Astraa
Summary
Metals and mining is valued at USD 2.3 trillion in 2024, projected to reach USD 3.3 trillion by 2033, contributing approximately 3.7% of global GDP. The sector plays a dual role, supplying critical minerals for the energy transition while ranking as the sixth-largest source of global GHG emissions, with steel and aluminium driving 93% of emissions.
EU CBAM imposes €75.36/tCO2e on imported steel and aluminium, while catastrophic tailings failures like Brumadinho caused 270 fatalities and €6 billion in damages. Water scarcity affects 16% of critical mineral mines, and DRC's cobalt supply chain faces scrutiny over an estimated 25,000-40,000 children in artisanal mining.
The paper benchmarks production footprints across steel, aluminium, copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and coal, covering carbon regulation, tailings and water risk, supply chain human rights, ESG governance, and technology enablers. It closes with case studies from Rio Tinto, BHP, Vale, ArcelorMittal and Tata Steel alongside future trends through 2035.
ESG Risks and Strategic Advantage: how carbon regulation, tailings failures, and social licence risks translate into financing costs and market access.
Production, Environmental Footprint and Value Creation: emissions, water and land use intensity across steel, aluminium, copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and coal.
Regulation, Supply Chain and Governance: CBAM, GISTM, anti-corruption enforcement, and human rights risk in battery metal supply chains.
Technology, Case Studies and Future Trends: AI, digital twins, fleet electrification, and the decarbonisation roadmaps of leading operators.
Full Whitepaper
Read the complete methodology, frameworks and findings in the PDF.
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