Susannah McLaren

Head of Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Cobalt Institute

Susannah is Head of Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability at the Cobalt Institute - the global industry association composed of producers, users, recyclers, and traders of – established to promote the safe, sustainable and responsible production and consumption of cobalt in all its forms and uses. She has over 20 years' in-house and consultancy experience across numerous sectors and markets.

Susannah is a Board member of the Global Battery Alliance and represents the Cobalt Institute on several prominent platforms, including ICMM and the Fair Cobalt Alliance.

Susannah previously managed the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Responsible Gold Programme, which is an OECD-aligned standard mandatory for all Good Delivery Refiners. She also spent a period working for Shift - the leading centre of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights - where she advised progressive global companies on human rights. Prior to this, Susannah spent ten years employed with a global engineering contractor to the extractives sector, latterly as the Global Head of Social Sustainability.

2024 Agenda Sessions

Disruptive Discussion

The Silent 'C' - Communities! Are they truly part of the net-zero mining discussion?

Exploring the need to go beyond developing siloed decarbonisation pathways for mining's conventional approach to net-zero.
How do we challenge the industry to take an innovative and future-forward approach whereby communities are at the heart of its development.
How do we move beyond the standard discourse surrounding the Just Transition, and challenge mining companies to explore ideas around community resilience more broadly and with greater consideration.
Ultimately, what is the business case for a net-zero strategy for the mining sector that is inclusive, just and resilient?

Tuesday 06 February 12:30 - 13:15 Disruptors Stage

Disruptive Discussions

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 12:30 02/06/2024 13:15 Disruptive Discussion

The Silent 'C' - Communities! Are they truly part of the net-zero mining discussion?

Exploring the need to go beyond developing siloed decarbonisation pathways for mining's conventional approach to net-zero.
How do we challenge the industry to take an innovative and future-forward approach whereby communities are at the heart of its development.
How do we move beyond the standard discourse surrounding the Just Transition, and challenge mining companies to explore ideas around community resilience more broadly and with greater consideration.
Ultimately, what is the business case for a net-zero strategy for the mining sector that is inclusive, just and resilient?

Disruptors Stage Africa/Johannesburg

Towards a sustainable artisanal mining sector – why joint formalisation & professionalisation is the

Unpacking at policy level – how do governments regulate artisanal miners? What are the much-needed government-owned policy reforms?
Regulating to success – Why is a collaborative approach between artisans, LSM’s and governments mutually beneficial?
Bringing artisans into the fold - How are international institutions helping to promote long-term engagement and in producing countries?
Why can an artisanal mining policy that aligns with the aspirations of the Africa mining vision essential?

Wednesday 07 February 14:00 - 14:40 Governments Stage 1

Intergovernmental Summit

Add to calendar 02/07/2024 14:00 02/07/2024 14:40 Towards a sustainable artisanal mining sector – why joint formalisation & professionalisation is the

Unpacking at policy level – how do governments regulate artisanal miners? What are the much-needed government-owned policy reforms?
Regulating to success – Why is a collaborative approach between artisans, LSM’s and governments mutually beneficial?
Bringing artisans into the fold - How are international institutions helping to promote long-term engagement and in producing countries?
Why can an artisanal mining policy that aligns with the aspirations of the Africa mining vision essential?

Governments Stage 1 Africa/Johannesburg

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