The Road to the SDGs

T H E R O A D T O T H E S D G s | P R O G R E S S A N D A C H I E V E M E N T S the crucial role of the private sector in the development of the mining and construction sectors, with new collaboration models to help share risk and unlock growth potential. METHOD X The COVID-19 pandemic will reshape global demand in both the mining and construction sectors. Growing population and increasing urbanisation levels will continue to drive demand in both sectors, while shifting consumer behaviour is expected to boost demand and criticality for minerals. It will also drive changes in consumption patterns and labour market habits. Key industry trends identified by the report include: – Improved productivity through full automation of large-scale mines – Normalisation of technological innovations such as autonomous vehicles, robotics and workforce augmentation – Increased reliance on advanced analytics and IoT enabling data- driven decision making – Widespread adoption of innovative and digitally integrated construction methods – Phasing out of traditional construction methods with the growth in highly productive solutions, such as 3D printing and modular construction – Rise of Building Information Modelling to tackle complexity across the construction lifecycle – Emphasis on improving environmental footprint – Alleviation of mining impacts through stricter regulation, gradual shift to renewable energy sources and increased focus on recycling – More energy efficient solutions and alternative fuels in the construction sector. X The report identifies low industrialisation levels as the main hurdle facing many MCs and suggests that improvements can be made by addressing investment gaps, poorly developed infrastructure and inadequate workforce qualifications. POTENTIAL IMPACTS X Opportunities for MCs to achieve their goals for productivity and sustainability are outlined in the report, with the following trends highlighted: X The importance of mining and of most minerals is expected to increase. There is considerable potential to increase production in several MCs based on high, untapped proven reserves. X The construction industry is projected to grow by 50% by 2030, exceeding global GDP growth, with the picture looking especially promising for MCs in West Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. X There are strong regional opportunities in construction materials production for MCs that can establish national capacities to meet domestic and regional demand. X Aluminium and nickel show significant growth potential. The surge of electric vehicle (EV) technology and nickel’s role as a primary source for batteries will significantly drive demand. X Expansion from the current focus on extraction into processing and manufacturing can unlock additional value for MCs. INVESTMENT X The report demonstrates how early decisive action can enable MCs to: – Capitalise on the overall growth of mining and construction, expected by 2030 to cumulatively expand by US$ 7 trillion and account for approximately 17% of global GDP, compared to about 15% today – Create additional skilled jobs, both directly and indirectly, especially through expansion into processing, which could triple the number of employees in the sector – Turn MCs’ construction trade deficit into a surplus. X In the mining sector, MCs hold vast mineral reserves and the focus of investments should be on finding ways to access renewable energy generation (solar, hydro, geothermal) as a cost-effective solution. X Investment programmes for SMEs and start-ups can provide the necessary ecosystem for technological innovation. C O N S T R U C T I O N I N D U S T R Y Growth projection of 50% by 2030, exceeding global GDP growth. High growth rates expected in MCs, particularly in West Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia M I N I N G I N D U S T R Y The surge of EV technology and nickel’s role as a primary source for batteries will drive demand significantly [ 227 ]