Port Hedland Industries Council members will come together in March 2022 for the second Pilbara Producers and Exporters Forum to share knowledge and experiences on key environmental, social, and governance topics to ensure a collective industry approach and best practice for Port Hedland and ensure long term benefits for the community.

The expansion of the SWASP program to include PHIC members is a good example of what can be achieved. PHIC members have a wide range of environmental and social programs in place and the discussions are likely to be just as varied.

The Pilbara Producers and Exporters Forum enables industry to meet and share experiences and knowledge around current and new and emerging ESG topics, including, protecting the environment, working with a shared purpose, regional economic development, decarbonisation, renewable energy and the role of technology, reporting against guidelines, community expectations and the application of ESG principles in Port Hedland.

The ESG forum follows a similar industry forum in 2019 in which operators discussed dust mitigation best practice in Port Hedland.

PHIC Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Danby said that, like the 2019 event, the ESG forum was an example of PHIC members working collaboratively for the benefit of industry and the Port Hedland community to ensure the sustainable, long-term growth of the port.

PHIC members include BHP, Roy Hill, Fortescue Metals Group, Pilbara Ports Authority, Consolidated Minerals, Mineral Resources, and Pilbara Minerals.

“Major mining companies have been actively involved in ESG for many years, establishing relationships and providing positive outcomes for the communities in which they operate,” Kirsty said.

“But the requirements are always changing, and new possibilities emerge, particularly as technology advances.

“This forum will be an excellent opportunity for all participants to share information and their understanding of how ESG will develop. This can only benefit communities, including the Pilbara and Port Hedland.

“Our members may be business competitors, but they are always willing to work together for the benefit of the community.”

While this is an industry-only event, PHIC will report on outcomes of the forum next year.