WEBINAR 1: Social and Environmental Sustainability in the Mining and Minerals Sector

Dates:
24 March | 14:30–17:00 UTC
16 April | 14:30–17:00 UTC+1

We are pleased to highlight the participation of Asarel-Medet AD in the first webinar of the series. As one of the leading mining companies in Bulgaria, Asarel-Medet brings valuable practical experience in integrating innovation, operational efficiency and responsible resource management. Their perspective, presented by eng. Ivaylo Vassilev, Director of Innovations, Planning and Development, will contribute to the discussion on how companies can address social challenges while creating long-term value for both business and local communities.

This two-part webinar series explores the social and environmental dimensions of responsible mining and mineral extraction in the context of the global green and digital transition and increasing demand for defense capabilities.

Critical raw materials enable technologies such as batteries, wind turbines and digital infrastructure, while non-metallic minerals—such as sand, limestone, clay and phosphates—are essential for construction, agriculture and renewable energy systems. Despite their importance, extraction activities are often associated with significant environmental and social risks, including land degradation, water stress, labour rights challenges, biodiversity loss and community impacts.

The Critical Raw Materials Act, adopted in 2024, aims to guarantee the EU’s secure, diversified, affordable, and sustainable access to critical raw materials, essential for the green and digital transitions, as well as for defense and space. Now the CRMA Critical Raw Materials Act (CRM Act) and related EU policies are reshaping expectations for mining projects and supply chains, both inside and outside of the EU.

The series brings together companies, experts and institutional representatives from across global supply chains to discuss how the sector can strengthen sustainability performance, manage emerging regulatory expectations and contribute to responsible value chains.

What to expect?

Participants will gain insights into:

• Emerging European regulatory frameworks, including the Critical Raw Materials Act and due diligence expectations
• Practical approaches to social and environmental governance in mining and minerals
• The role of responsible extraction in resilient and sustainable supply chains
• Real-world experiences from companies operating in both metallic and non-metallic mineral sectors
• Opportunities for international collaboration across producing and consuming regions

The webinar series is organized in partnership with several networks and sector stakeholders, bringing together

perspectives from Europe, Africa and the Americas.

The webinar series are organized with the joint efforts of the UNGC Country Networks in Angola, Bulgaria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, France, Portugal, Spain and with the expert support of Cluster Portugal Mineral Resources.

Webinar 1 „Social Challenges and Opportunities in the Mineral Sector“

24 March | 14:30–17:00 UTC

                | 16:30–19:00 SOFIA 

This session focuses on the social dimensions of mining and mineral extraction, including community relations, labour conditions, human rights due diligence and local development opportunities.

Speakers will explore how companies can address social risks while building shared value with communities and ensuring alignment with international frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and emerging European regulatory requirements.

We are pleased to highlight the participation of Asarel-Medet AD in the first webinar of the series. As one of the leading mining companies in Bulgaria, Asarel-Medet brings valuable practical experience in integrating innovation, operational efficiency and responsible resource management. Their perspective, presented by eng. Ivaylo Vassilev, Director of Innovations, Planning and Development, will contribute to the discussion on how companies can address social challenges while creating long-term value for both business and local communities.

REGISTER HERE!

Registration is free of charge

WEBINAR 2 „Environmental Impacts and Good Practices in Mineral Extraction“ shall take place on 16 April 2026.