Wardell Armstrong managing director Alison Allen talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company’s presence at Resourcing Tomorrow 2024 and its recent acquisition by SLR Consulting. Allen explained that the integration with SLR has bolstered its sustainability efforts, making Wardell Armstrong a global leader in ESG advisory and mining consultancy.
She highlighted the firm’s unique capabilities, such as its in-house laboratories in Cornwall and its focus on environmental and social performance. “What SLR had was that global reach with a slightly different portfolio, enabling us to really work together and collaborate on a number of projects,” Allen said.
The conversation also touched on the growing importance of ESG in the mining industry. Allen noted that environmental and social considerations have evolved from being “nice to have” to a “necessity,” influencing everything from financing to project execution. She emphasised that the industry is shifting towards critical minerals, which now make up a significant part of Wardell Armstrong's portfolio, underscoring ESG's integral role in the energy transition.