In this episode of the (un)Trustables podcast, host Darrell O'Donnell speaks with Nancy Norris and Kyle Robinson to discuss British Columbia's groundbreaking Energy Mines Digital Trust initiative, exploring how digital credentials revolutionize sustainability and compliance in the mining and energy sectors. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of integrating advanced technology into these traditional industries, offering insights into the future of sustainable resource management.
Guests:
Nancy Norris is the Senior Director of ESG & Digital Trust in the Ministry for Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation for the Government of British Columbia. She leads Energy & Mines Digital Trust, leveraging digital trust technology to foster a more sustainable and responsible mining industry. Nancy is the Project Lead of UN/CEFACT Critical Raw Materials project, which identifies ways to scale supply chain traceability and transparency to achieve global sustainability outcomes.
Kyle Robinson is an independent consultant working as the Senior Strategic Advisor for BC Digital Trust with the Government of British Columbia. He has over 20 years of experience in the information technology business as a developer, business analyst, and advisor, primarily with government clients. He is an active Hyperledger CA2SIG and Standards WG member and participates in several Trust Over IP Foundation working groups.
This episode unveils the fascinating intersection of technology, sustainability, and governance within British Columbia's mining and energy sectors. The discussion revolves around the transformative impact of digital credentials in proving the sustainability and legality of mining operations, an innovative step towards a transparent global supply chain. Listeners will be captivated by exploring how these digital advancements redefine environmental compliance and integrate with global initiatives, shaping the future of sustainable mining and energy production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how digital technology revolutionizes traditional industries and contributes to a more sustainable future.
Key takeaways:
EMDT’s Vision and Implementation: EMDT is designed to provide a digital infrastructure that facilitates a sustainable economy in British Columbia. It uses digital credentials to enable mining and natural gas companies to showcase their sustainability performance and adherence to regulations transparently.
Operational Credentials in Use: Two credentials are currently operational - the Mines Act permit and the Toward Sustainable Mining credential. These credentials are essential for demonstrating mining operations' sustainability and legal compliance.
Global Integration and Supply Chain Traceability: EMDT plays a significant role in global supply chain traceability, aligning with international initiatives like the Global Battery Alliance. It aims to provide transparency and traceability from the extraction point to the final product.
Challenges in Technology and Governance: The project leverages advanced technology, including Hyperledger Aries & Indy and Anoncreds, and operates within an open ecosystem where each participant maintains their own governance structure. Balancing technology implementation with governance and legal compliance is a key challenge.
Going Operational (into Production) Was a Huge Shift: This pivotal shift marked a critical moment, highlighting the complexities and advancements in integrating digital credentials into the mining sector, significantly impacting the industry's sustainability and legal compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement and Project Management: Effective stakeholder engagement and project management have been critical to EMDT's success. This involves ensuring all participants, from government bodies to mining companies, are aligned and informed about the project's progress and implications.
Additional Resources: