Botts, Gilmer and Samale Discuss ESG for Mining Companies in Mining Media International Publication

06.16.2023

Stinson LLP Partners Robert Botts, Jr, Zane Gilmer and attorney Selena Samale authored an article for the Engineering and Mining Journal, "The Mining Industry Should Not Ignore ESG."

With environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) becoming systematically woven into the fabric of the U.S. marketplace and business practice, the article provides mining companies with insight regarding the development and implementation of ESG policies as a strategic benefit.

Questions remain regarding the timeline and scope of ESG and related compliance requirements becoming legislatively mandated, but there are proactive steps mining companies can take.

"It's time to embrace the reality that ESG will soon be part of 'business as usual,' [and] that ESG will continue to have a larger impact on day-to-day operations," the attorneys write. "The sooner a company begins addressing ESG, the better prepared it will be for the future."

ESG policy reflects the public's opinion of a company's business practices and the attorneys write it can have a significant impact on the business' reputation, brand, and financial performance. They detail the benefits of adopting ESG and provide the framework for planning and implementing an effective ESG policy, including:

• Set attainable goals and objectives – and develop policies to ensure that the goals can be met.
• Think long-term, but plan in shorter phases.
• Consider what your company is already doing that satisfies aspects of ESG.
• Decide up front to make ESG part of future operational and business planning.

Botts is a trusted business advisor to mining and energy companies, commercial lending and financial institutions, and privately-held businesses. He routinely acts as outside general counsel for his clients, providing objective, independent counsel and access to a full range of legal services to meet their needs. Botts also provides representation to clients in the electric utilities sector, advising on a variety of transactional matters.

Gilmer is an experienced litigator representing financial services firms and others in highly-regulated industries. He handles class actions and cases involving fraud, mismanagement and regulatory compliance. Clients seek his advice on emerging legal issues to learn how existing frameworks will apply to new industries.

Samale handles mergers and acquisitions, secured lending transactions and general corporate matters. She assists clients in assessing opportunities, structuring investments and financial products, and managing both strategic partnerships and customer relationships. Her clients operate in a diverse range of industries, including banking, financial services, health care, mining and energy, construction and technology.

Read the full article.