Anglo-American — Even Extractive Companies Can Become Regenerative
In Episode 1 — Regenerative Business — What and Why? I attempted to define what a regenerative business means to me:
‘A regenerative business systematically and symbiotically creates value for all stakeholders, including communities, all life, and our planet.’
As explained, my research into regenerative business was inspired by the software and technology company Zoho. My journey of discovery continues, and sometime last summer, I stumbled upon a truly unique endeavour — the Woodsmith Project.
This multi-billion dollar mining project in my native county of Yorkshire, in the North of the UK, paradoxically stands out for its regenerative approach. I sought inspiring stories of businesses exhibiting regenerative characteristics, but a mining company? At first glance, that seemed like an oxymoron.
I did some background research into Anglo American. I wanted to understand if this global mining company, which acquired the project through its acquisition of Sirius Minerals plc in 2020, had genuine regenerative leanings.
Today, the $30 billion company with 90,000 employees has fifty-six mines in fifteen regions, mining copper, nickel, platinum group metals, diamonds (De Beers), iron ore, steelmaking coal, manganese, and polyhalite…
