Accenture+投资者如何看待采矿业作为脱碳捍卫者的新角色-英

How investors view mining’s new role as a champion of decarbonizationThe mining industry, long considered a problem in environmental sustainability, is now seen as a critical part of the solution. Investors and consumers alike are beginning to recognize the industry as not only the first source of emissions in the value chain, but a necessary provider of critical raw materials needed for the global energy transition.Consequently, many mining companies are now embracing their role as stewards of the planet by championing the lowering of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reducing the carbon impact on climate change.Perceived financial incentives are a major driver for this change in perspective. First, miners see decarbonization as a revenue opportunity—to mine and sell the necessary raw materials such as copper, lithium, cobalt and nickel that feed the growing energy transition, or by charging premium pricing for lower-carbon products. Additionally, miners view decarbonization as a means to reduce their cost of capital via enhanced access to the growing pool of sustainability-linked funding by investors focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.While mining companies must balance the interests of multiple stakeholders—including local communities, governments, regulators, end customers, employees and investors—equity investors often play an outsized role due to the capital-intensive nature of the business. Moreover, investors are increasingly beating the decarbonization drum. The Accenture Global Institutional Investor Study of ESG in Mining found that, when asked in isolation, 59% of investors want miners to aggressively pursue decarbonization and be market leaders in that effort. In addition, approximately 63% of investors responded that they would be willing to divest or avoid investing in mining companies that fail to meet their decarbonization targets, with the same number equally willing should a mining firm pursue insufficient decarbonization activities.2How investors view mining’s new role as a champion of decarbonizationDecarbonization announcements are becoming commonplace3How investors view mining’s new role as a champion of decarbonizationThe word has gotten through to miners. Sustainability, ESG, decarbonization and green are all now commonly part of the corporate vernacular. According to a UNGC-Accenture Strategy CEO Study, 72% of mining and metals CEOs agree that sustainability issues—including decarbonization—are “very important” or “important” to the future success of their businesses (compared to just 54% across all industries).1 Almost every major mining company now has programs in place to reduce carbon emissions. An S&P Global Market Intelligence analysis found that seven of the ten largest metals and mining companies by market capitalization have committed to reaching net zero for directly produced emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2), or carbon neutrality, by 2050 or earlier.2