JV Video: Stakeholder relations still key to success, Global External says

Miners need to learn how to speak with people outside the industry, Adam Hawkins, founder and president of Global External, said in an April interview.

The industry typically focuses on shareholders and institutional investors rather than the general public, says Hawkins, whose consultancy helps clients navigate social, political, regulatory, and reputational risks. “Effective communication starts with understanding the communities you operate in and meeting them where they are,” he said.

Technical experts often struggle to convey their work to a broader audience, he noted, which can lead to misunderstandings with stakeholders and even create fear among residents in host communities.

To help address this, Global External is collaborating with the American Exploration and Mining Association on a program called ‘I’m Mining.’ This initiative aims to humanize the industry by showcasing the diverse individuals who work in it, moving the focus away from corporate executives to everyday workers.

Hawkins spoke with Henry Lazenby, western editor of The Northern Miner, at the Energy Transition Metals Summit in Washington, D.C., in April.

Watch the full video below.

Joint venture videos are paid-for content in arrangement with The Northern Miner.