Abstract:
Sustainability performance is a critical driver in the social, environmental, and financial
performance of businesses that can result in cost savings, more innovation, and an
increase in the value of the business brand. The expectation from society for
responsible mining practices is increasing, as is the mining sectors transition into the
circular economy, digitisation, artificial intelligence, and industry 4.0. This study aimed
to explore the need for sustainability indicators for innovation and technology to
achieve sustainability performance.
The main research question explores how sustainability indicators for innovation and
technology are developed and used in the mining sector to achieve sustainability
performance. In this study, a qualitative approach to conducting interviews was
undertaken with professionals in the mining sector and experts in the sustainability
field. The data was collected from open-ended research questions to the selected
participants within the mining sector, including platinum, diamond, coal, gold, nickel,
copper, and iron ore.
The key insights are concluded in a final framework of Sustainability Indicators for
Innovation and Technology that shows the integration of what success looks like for
sustainability indicators for innovation and technology, the critical factors to achieve
this success, and the challenges and opportunities experienced.
