Sustainable Minerals Knowledge Exchange Fellowship (Philippines)

Novel and innovative tools and techniques are required to ensure that whilst mining is carried out in order to achieve some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it is not at the detriment of others. Yet, whilst extensive work and research is carried out to address a number of concerns for the mining industry, the tools developed are rarely implemented - even where the science is excellent.

There are a number of reasons for this, but we believe one of the most important is due to the complex relationships present within the raw materials sector. The mining industry itself is very complex, with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders. Innovation is often enabled by ACADEMICS, but not always in collaboration with MINING COMPANIES, hence the tools developed may not service them well.

Where the two do work together, barriers may include FINANCE, as INVESTORS may not fully understand the advantages of the innovation. Perhaps the best way to integrate novel approaches may be through POLICY and REGULATORS, yet they may not have the subject specific knowledge to enforce this.

Both the PROMT and PAMANA project are developing new scientific methods to improve aspects of mining in the Philippines. A Knowledge Exchange (KE) programme, carried out by Fellows who understand these nuances, will address the barriers outlined above. KE will improve understanding of stakeholder perceptions, challenges, and benefits. Then, tools and techniques can be embedded into stakeholder organisations.

We propose a KE Fellowship to capitalise on diverse skills, and experience of building relationships across communities, private sector, and public sector; grounded in technical expertise in ecosystem science and economic geology. Our ambition is to build lasting networks that allow PROMT and PAMANA partners a vehicle to embed their research into stakeholder relationships and facilitate partnerships for further collaboration and project follow-on.