#London #United Kingdom #ICMM #Mining Dataset #Global Mining

ICMM Launches Global Mining Dataset

On September 3, 2025, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) unveiled its latest initiative, the Global Mining Dataset, aimed at addressing the significant gaps in reliable data concerning the global mining and metals industry. This dataset represents the most extensive public compilation of mining and metallurgical facilities worldwide, including detailed information on 15,188 mines and processing plants spanning 47 different commodities.

Importance of Robust Data

The impetus behind the dataset stems from a pressing need for standardized and reliable information that has been lacking in the mining sector. As the world increasingly relies on minerals and metals to support energy transitions and sustainable development, quality data is essential for policy makers, investors, and civil society to make informed decisions, craft effective regulations, and comprehend the sector's continued impact on global economies and environments.

Rohitesh Dhawan, CEO of ICMM, emphasized the dataset's importance, stating, “More than 75% of national economies are linked to large-scale mining or mineral processing. A comprehensive understanding of the location, types, products, and footprint of these facilities is critical for illuminating public and policy discussions surrounding this essential sector.” This acknowledgment stresses the growing role of mining and metals amid geopolitical changes and the energy transition.

Key Findings

The dataset reveals several crucial insights about the global mining infrastructure:

• - Major mining facilities are noticeably concentrated, with China, Australia, and the United States accounting for approximately 45% of all operations.
• - The dataset highlights that coal, gold, copper, and iron ore are the most populous commodities, with coal mines alone representing 43% of total mines.
• - Extractive metallurgy, including smelting, refining, and rolling mills, is widely distributed across various regions, with China leading in the number of metallurgical facilities, having recorded 426.

Collaborative Efforts Towards Improvement

Developed in conjunction with Accenture, Global Energy Monitor, and Skarn Associates, the dataset has also incorporated extensive public and proprietary sources, ensuring a thorough representation of the global mining landscape. As noted by Janez Potočnik, co-chair of the International Resource Panel, “Reliable, transparent, and consolidated data on the mining and metallurgical industry is essential for evidence-based policymaking, effective governance, and progress towards sustainability goals.”

The dataset not only compiles essential statistics but also seeks to evolve through future partnerships, paving the way for continuous improvement in the accuracy, trustworthiness, and scope of mining data.

Emma Gagen, ICMM's Director of Data and Research, highlighted prior inconsistencies in existing data collections, explaining, “Previous data on the mining sector was often incomplete or influenced by regional specifications, and even fundamental statistics like the number of mines were challenging to ascertain. This dataset aims to transform that landscape.”

Call for Collaboration

ICMM’s initiative extends beyond its current offerings. The Council invites stakeholders from academia, consulting firms, governments, and national associations to contribute towards enhancing data quality and comprehensiveness in the mining sector. This collaborative approach will not only enrich the dataset but also foster a unified vision for data-driven progress in mining.

In summary, the launch of the Global Mining Dataset signifies a remarkable step forward in addressing the lack of quality data in the mining sector. By integrating comprehensive statistics, it aims to inform and support sustainable practices and policies that will positively shape the future of mining and its critical role in development.