Sustainable Mining and the Biodiversity Challenge

In the July 2022 discussion, Uwe Schulte interviews Cyril Giraud, Senior Vice President of Performance Minerals APAC at Imerys, about sustainable mining and biodiversity. Giraud, with a long tenure at Imerys and extensive international experience, shares insights on how his career evolved towards sustainability. He recounts experiences in Turkey and Vietnam that highlighted poor mining practices and the need for better standards. Giraud describes Imerys as a leader in industrial minerals, emphasizing their global reach and diverse applications, from toothpaste to batteries. The conversation delves into Imerys’ sustainability strategy, “SustainAgility”, which focuses on empowering people, caring for the planet, and building a sustainable future. Giraud highlights the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and preserving biodiversity through progressive restoration and strategic partnerships. He also discusses innovative products like Barrikote for recyclable paper and the role of minerals in enhancing battery performance. The interview underscores Imerys’ holistic approach to sustainability, integrating responsible practices across their operations and supply chain.