Rohitesh Dhawan

CEO International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

Rohitesh “Ro” Dhawan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). Under his leadership, ICMM has undertaken landmark commitments and action on critical sustainable development issues, including the first industry-wide net zero commitment, pioneering actions on diversity, equity and inclusion, and significant steps towards radical transparency of the industry’s contribution and performance, including on tax and contract disclosure.

Ro is a Fellow and faculty member of the Africa Leadership Initiative and a Raisina fellow at the Asian Forum on Global Governance. He serves on the Advisory Boards of the Columbia Centre for Sustainable Investment, Concordia, and Resolve. He has served on the UK Government’s Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (PACT) Programme and was named one of South Africa’s climate change leaders for his work with the country’s mining sector.

Ro hold a Master’s in Environmental Change & Management from the University of Oxford in the UK and an undergraduate degree in Economics from Rhodes University in South Africa.

2024 Agenda Sessions

Disruptive Discussion

Partners for prosperity: the future of democracy, good governance and responsible mining in Africa

To what degree will strengthening democracy, good governance and rule of law enable more responsible mining and, in doing so, support the development of the continent and the objectives of the energy transition?
How can mining companies support the strengthening of democracy, good governance and the rule of law?
How can civil society best partner with the mining sector to strengthen governance?

Tuesday 06 February 09:15 - 10:00 Disruptors Stage

Disruptive Discussions

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 09:15 02/06/2024 10:00 Disruptive Discussion

Partners for prosperity: the future of democracy, good governance and responsible mining in Africa

To what degree will strengthening democracy, good governance and rule of law enable more responsible mining and, in doing so, support the development of the continent and the objectives of the energy transition?
How can mining companies support the strengthening of democracy, good governance and the rule of law?
How can civil society best partner with the mining sector to strengthen governance?

Disruptors Stage Africa/Johannesburg

Disruptive Discussion

Nature positive mining – an oxymoron?

How can an industry that 'digs holes in the ground' be nature positive?
Is a positive impact on nature possible with the huge growth in mining expected to supply critical minerals?
Should mining not take place in some areas of very high value for nature – and if not, who gets to decide where?
What specifically for mining does a nature positive future look like, and what foundational steps does the industry need to take?

Tuesday 06 February 11:50 - 12:30 Disruptors Stage

Disruptive Discussions

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 11:50 02/06/2024 12:30 Disruptive Discussion

Nature positive mining – an oxymoron?

How can an industry that 'digs holes in the ground' be nature positive?
Is a positive impact on nature possible with the huge growth in mining expected to supply critical minerals?
Should mining not take place in some areas of very high value for nature – and if not, who gets to decide where?
What specifically for mining does a nature positive future look like, and what foundational steps does the industry need to take?

Disruptors Stage Africa/Johannesburg

Polarisation and post-truth: can diverse groups realistically work together to solve challenges faci

•   We are currently entering into an unprecedented era in modern times. The mining industry is at the forefront of one of the most significant economic shifts in history, as the world seeks to decarbonise whilst also trying to meet the UN SDGs.
•   New mines will need to be developed in record times if the industry is to meet this demand.
•   Collaboration between governments, the private sector and civil society will be vital if we are to responsibly expedite development and permitting processes while also prioritising social and economic well-being of local communities.
•   In a world fractured by polarisation and post-truth what does the industry need to do to build trust with stakeholders? Is it even possible to build strong partnerships between diverse stakeholder groups if consensus is not always met?
•   Join ICMM CEO Ro Dhawan and NRGI Africa Director Nafi Chinery as they discuss these important questions, and provide their reflections on the steps different stakeholder groups should be taking to solve these common challenges.

Wednesday 07 February 10:55 - 11:20 Stewards Stage

Sustainability Series

Add to calendar 02/07/2024 10:55 02/07/2024 11:20 Polarisation and post-truth: can diverse groups realistically work together to solve challenges faci

Stewards Stage Africa/Johannesburg

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