A series of webinars “Strategy for European Projects on Greening the Mining Industry and Sustainable Use of Raw Materials” was held as part of the Horizon project HEI4S3-RM.
On November 15, Maciej Kowalczyk, Senior Advisor at PHENO HORIZON (Lodz, Poland), gave a lecture. Mr. Kowalczyk is a sociologist by training, works in civil society and local government development, urban development, writing project proposals and coordinating EU-funded projects.
Maciej Kowalczyk spoke about the European Commission’s priorities for 2021-2027, paying particular attention to the European Green Deal. He explained in detail the strategy of European projects on the greening of the mining industry and the sustainable use of raw materials. Kovalchyk highlighted the main provisions of the Just Transition Fund document, which aims to provide EU assistance in the transition to a sustainable green economy for 46 regions heavily dependent on coal. This assistance includes social support for the local population, economic revitalization, and land restoration.
On November 16, Ramona Kosheleva, a chemist specializing in colloidal systems and surface phenomena, spoke. Ms. Ramona is a researcher of nanomaterials at the International and Hellenic University of Greece.
Ramona Kosheleva spoke about the application of the ESG (environment, society, governance) strategy in the work of small and large enterprises, the specifics of its development for various industrial sectors. The lecturer paid special attention to the use of ESG strategy in the extractive industry. Its environmental benefits include preservation of species diversity, management of water, climate change, and hazardous substances. Social benefits include respect for human rights, labor laws, and community safety and health. The advantages of the ESG strategy in the field of governance are legal transparency and compliance, and adherence to ethical standards. By applying the ESG strategy, companies will be able to increase capital, obtain the necessary permits, effectively cooperate with government agencies, communities, and the media, and protect assets from depreciation.