Natural ResourcesShowcase

In Conversation with Fiona Solomon

The WIM 100 Initiative, launched by non-profit Women in Mining UK, has been a core focus for the organisation for more than a decade. It aims to highlight the wealth of female talent within the global mining industry, celebrate women's “above and beyond” contributions to the industry, and identify role models for future generations.

 

As part of this biennial event, Acre is speaking to senior women in sustainability from the mining industry to discuss the challenges they encounter and celebrate the positive impact they are making.

 

This quarter, we sat down with Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), to discuss her experiences as a woman in the mining industry and the impactful sustainability work that is being done in the sector.

 

Fiona has a technical background, with a degree in mechanical engineering and a PhD that explored how to reconceptualise the discipline and its broader impacts on society and the planet. Her research examined the philosophy of engineering and technology, initially focusing on the technical aspects of the mining industry.

 

 

How have you seen sustainability change in the industry over your career?

I started my career at CSIRO in Australia, becoming their first Research Fellow in mining and sustainability back in 1997. My research focused on incorporating social and environmental perspectives into scientific and technical decision-making within the industry.

 

As new mining operations and technologies– whether in mineral processing or exploration– are developed, it’s important to recognise that mined materials provide essential inputs to modern life and are used by everyone, every day. While there is a societal benefit from these materials in use, it is undeniable that the mining industry leaves a large footprint, both positive and negative.

 

Over the past 30 years of my career, I've witnessed the conversation around sustainability in mining grow, with many dedicated individuals working hard to drive positive change and minimise harmful practices. However, mining is a centuries-old industry with deep-rooted legacy issues, and despite evolving language, we still face the same long-standing challenges, whether social or environmental.

 

 

What has been the biggest strategic focus for you around sustainability over the last few years?

At ASI, we've focused on climate, circularity, nature, and human rights as our core sustainability priorities. These priorities extend beyond mining to encompass the entire aluminium value chain. A key part of our role at ASI is to address this broader range of issues and explore areas that companies may not have previously considered.

 

Our strategic focus now is on preparing for our next standards revision in 2027 and developing the next generation of our standards and assurance system. The landscape for voluntary initiatives like ours is evolving.

 

In the past, initiatives such as ASI operated in areas where sustainability issues weren’t globally regulated. Some jurisdictions were more proactive on certain issues, while others were not, often not aligning with key regions of mineral extraction. Having a unified international standard that addresses sustainability from a multi-stakeholder perspective is essential. Now, we're seeing a growing push for more regulation, including extraterritorial measures.

 

 

What would you say is the most essential skill set in mining sustainability today?

For a long time, sustainability in mining was primarily equated with environmental issues, and that's where the initial investment in skills was focused. Now, there’s growing recognition that a wider range of expertise is needed, including social science, cultural understanding, and diverse perspectives to truly address sustainability challenges.

 

However, I’m not sure how widely available these skill sets are within the industry, as many companies may not yet fully grasp their importance. Often, diversity is valued more for appearances than for the real benefits it can bring, which can lead to high turnover and retention issues.

 

For those championing these broader sustainability issues, the work can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, depending on the company. I know of people who have experienced burnout trying to drive change in an industry that can be slow to adapt.

 

 

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career?

Generally, I emphasise the importance of recognising your existing strengths while also identifying opportunities for growth, as this journey of development is never truly complete. It’s also crucial to develop practical strategies for navigating the organisational challenges that will inevitably arise, particularly when groups need to come together to make decisions, especially difficult ones.

 

I encourage people to engage fully. Mining can be a challenging industry for anyone, especially for those in underrepresented groups. However, it’s also an industry where individuals can truly make a difference.

 

 

Acre partners with companies to create real change by embedding impactful, purpose-driven people in their teams - from sustainability practitioners to CEOs. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can help.