How can mining be reimagined from a purely extractive industry to one that sees the operation become a community development engine?

Florence Drummond, Executive Director, Development Partner Institute, is a dynamic leader with a distinguished career in the global mining sector. As a member of Dauareb Wuthathi, Australia, Drummond has focused her work around fostering collaborative initiatives that honor Indigenous perspectives and promote sustainable development.

This April in Toronto, Ms. Drummond will join fellow mining leaders at FNMPC’s 7^th Annual Conference, Our Collective Advantage: Indigenous Consent to share insights on navigating the complex terrain of energy transition minerals development while upholding the principles of free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous nations.

In anticipation of the upcoming conference, Ms. Drummond has generously shared a few insights with FNMPC.

Question: Where have you seen the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and values grow significantly in recent years across the mining sector value chain?

“Over the years I have observed a positive shift in the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge, values and also participation in fundamental elements of the mining sector value chain. One of the most significant is through equity partnerships in projects, the collaboration across global regions and the alignment of caring for country practices. Whilst we must always learn from the past and reflect on systemic challenges, I am confident that the mining industry and the wider value chain are growing in the right direction.”

Question: With the transition to a net zero economy and critical minerals being an essential component, how do you see First Nations shaping the future development of the mining sector?

“I will reflect on the paper published by FNMPC which perfectly captured “the only to net zero runs through Indigenous lands”. We now see space being created at global leadership forums to ensure that there are opportunities for First Nations people to directly speak to the challenges and opportunities of what a co-designed and collaborative future could look like for the mining industry. There is a greater highlight of economic value, the holistic ecosystem sustainability and generational growth, and with the net zero future requiring a significant step up in terms of mined minerals, Indigenous participation is vital to ensure shared prosperity alongside reaching climate goals.”

Be sure to join Florence Drummond and other global leaders working to build a sustainable economy that centers Indigenous values and partnerships in April by registering at: fnmpc.ca/conference/register