#London #United Kingdom #Sustainable Development #ICMM #Mining Dataset

ICMM Launches the Global Mining Dataset

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has taken a significant step towards improving the transparency and accessibility of data within the mining and metals sector. On September 3, 2025, ICMM unveiled its Global Mining Dataset, which is now recognized as the most comprehensive publicly available collection of global mining and metals facilities. This new resource includes an impressive compilation of 15,188 mines and processing facilities that cover 47 primary commodities.

Addressing the Data Deficiency

Historically, the mining and metals sector has suffered from a lack of standardized, reliable data, which has impeded the ability of various stakeholders—policymakers, activists, investors, and the industry itself—to make informed decisions. With this newly developed dataset, ICMM aims to fill these gaps, providing crucial insights into the industry's operational landscape.

Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO of ICMM, emphasized the significance of achieving a global view of mining facilities. He noted that over 75% of national economies have connections to large-scale mining or mineral processing. He stated, "Understanding the location, type, and impact of these facilities is essential for informing crucial public and policy debates, especially in today's world where minerals and metals play a pivotal role in energy transitions and global geopolitics."

Key Findings and Insights

The dataset highlights a few intriguing insights:

• - A substantial concentration of mining facilities is located in China, Australia, and the USA, which collectively account for about 45% of all identified facilities.
• - The dataset reveals that coal, gold, copper, and iron ore are the most prevalent primary commodities. In fact, coal mines make up 43% of the total mining sites.
• - It’s important to note that while mining operations and metallurgical processing plants might be situated in different regions—e.g., with China housing the highest number of metallurgical facilities at 426—this distribution often leads to a complicated understanding of the overall mining industry.

Collaborative Efforts for Improvement

In developing this dataset, ICMM received valuable support from organizations such as Accenture, Global Energy Monitor, and Skarn Associates, as well as utilizing numerous public and proprietary sources. The initiative emphasizes the importance of open partnerships, inviting academia, consultancy groups, and national associations to contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of this dataset.

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel, stated, "Reliable and consolidated data is essential for evidence-based policymaking and effective governance. The work initiated by ICMM will play a key role in monitoring progress towards sustainability targets in the mining and metals industry."

Looking Ahead

The Global Mining Dataset is a foundational step toward establishing a more complete and comprehensible data landscape concerning mining operations globally. ICMM's commitment to continuous improvements promises to enhance sustainability indicators linked to mining operations. In the forthcoming months, the organization intends to release updates reflecting these advancements.

Dr. Emma Gagen, ICMM’s Director of Data and Research, remarked on the challenges of accessing reliable global data, often hindered by inconsistency and a lack of comprehensive coverage. By creating an inclusive dataset that not only aggregates figures but also connects various aspects of mining's impacts—economic, environmental, and social—ICMM aims to transform the current landscape.

For further insights and access to the dataset, visit the Global Mining Dataset page on the ICMM website, which includes downloadable resources, data methodologies, and analysis tools for stakeholders interested in this critical sector.

In conclusion, with the launch of the Global Mining Dataset, ICMM is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of mining data, encouraging responsible practices, and advancing sustainable development goals across the sector.