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neWs
Q A
&
RPMGlobal recently
bolstered its in-house
Environmental, Social and Luke Stephens in
Governance (ESG) capabilities Savannakhet, Laos,
with the appointment of Luke MMG’s Sepon LXML
mine. A mandarin/
Stephens as Principal Social citrus industry as a
Specialist, to the company’s long-term post-mine
Consulting & Advisory legacy project that
was established
division. remains ongoing
As a mining social
performance professional Taking mining’s
with more than 20 years’ of
international experience,
Stephens has a strong track responsibilities
record in social licence,
community relations, social
performance, multi-stakeholder beyond the gate
partnerships, grievance
management, government
and donor relations. Prior to
: How far have companies
: Having worked all over the
joining RPMGlobal, Stephens Q world, which is the trickiest Q come in addressing their ESG
was the principal closure destination and why? capabilities?
and sustainability specialist : I’ve had the privilege of : It’s an exciting time to be
for Afrique Gold and worked A working in Africa, Central Asia, A working in environment and social
with Newcrest Mining Ltd Eastern Europe, and South East Asia. management in mining. I’m seeing a
as superintendent for social Everywhere I’ve worked has posed its groundswell of support – both in words
own unique challenges and also had
and actions – building for a more robust
performance. He also spent amazing things to offer and teach me. approach to ESG. I’ve personally seen
numerous years with aid and Working in mining has provided me this among the junior mining space and
humanitarian agency, Concern an amazing opportunity to learn new with the major mining companies. I’ve
Worldwide. Since 1998, he has languages, try new foods, and learn from also seen companies unable to grapple
with core ESG issues. That’s why I’m
new cultures. The variety of cultures we
implemented best-practice work with often presents tricky situations. delighted to be with RPMGlobal. We’re
community programmes in For example, in some countries you here to work alongside companies
mining and alongside local should always be circumspect, avoiding advising them on practical ways to
communities across Africa, clearly stating any request, and never improve in a range of areas, including
actually saying ‘no’. In other countries
ESG, geology, mining, and through our
Eastern Europe, Central Asia, directness and short and to the point excellent industry software.
and South East Asia. Paydirt instructions are highly respected. : Do you believe there is a
caught up with Stephens upon Knowing which approach is required, Q general satisfactorily level of
and the ability to change your natural
his appointment with RPMGlobal approach based on the local demands, ESG standards across industry?
to find out how industry is can be the difference between officials : The existing standards, for
handling ESG responsibilities. welcoming you or being shown the door. A example the Equator Principles,
International Finance Corporation’s
Performance Standards (IFC PS),
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