Allison George – Building Trust and Equity across the mining value chain



ABSTRACT

The world of responsible mining is full to the brim of principles, standards, and wider efforts to capitalise on the good intentions of actors from different parts of the value chain[1]. The menu of options attempting to validate the source of a mineral, or a metal is almost overwhelming. One could be forgiven for thinking that responsible sourcing has been solved. On many levels, there is huge progress. Mitigating against human rights abuses, corruption and serious environmental degradation in the supply chain is core to the many approaches out there. But what if we could begin to imagine the value the mining value chain could deliver? What does an approach that shifts our mindsets beyond risk to lasting positive impact look like? What does a lasting positive impact even mean? What if the whole value chain committed to this as the only way to operate – Sourcing with Impact?

DPI’s flagship program, the Responsible Sourcing Coalition (RESCO) seeks to address the above, our mission is: “Accelerating a mineral value chain free from structural inequality, shaped by community values and moved from a mindset of risk management to one of long-term value creation.

Building Trust and Equity across the mining value chain:

RESCO – The action we’re taking.

  1. We are working to grow the RESCO Coalition. Since 2019 we have hosted a series of sprint sessions to unify stakeholders under RESCO, identify common connections and work through areas of disconnect. These dialogues continue into 2023.
  2. We are working to maximize our impact. Our approach is to tackle a small number of challenges at once whilst staying alert to new opportunities as they arise.  We are working in partnerships to build effective alliances to address these challenges, where it is possible to do so.  
  1. We will continue to convene the RESCO multi-stakeholder group to deepen mutual understanding and ideate the possibilities whilst piloting some key actions (e.g., regional, and global dialogues in 2022).

[1] Please see DPI document “Overview of Key Responsible Sourcing Standards”


BIOGRAPHY

Allison George

Head of Programs and Initiatives, Development Partner Institute

Allison has worked with local, national, and global leaders to transform the mining and extractive resource sector, with particular emphasis on transparency (Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative) management, systems, laws, regulation, taxation, and effective dialogue. The focus of which has always been People, Planet and Practices. She has served in organisations at a national and international level, including the World Bank, Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), and the Tony Blair Institute (TBI). She has worked as the lead mining advisor to support many governments, Presidents, and Prime Ministers across various jurisdictions. Most recently, she served as the lead mining advisor in Rwanda over a five-year period and oversaw a series of strategic reforms focused on: transparency, certification, planning, coordination, communication, and delivery.