Mining and metals advocacy group ICMM has announced the creation of the ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship programme in partnership with global nongovernmental organisation (NGO) One Young World.

The primary objective of the partnership is to bridge the generational gap in the mining industry by empowering young leaders to drive responsible mining practices.

This collaboration also focuses on harnessing youth perspectives to accelerate the mining industry’s contribution to a safe, just and sustainable future.

As part of the scholarship, ICMM will be supporting five delegates to attend the One Young World summit, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 3 to 6, where they will hear from industry leaders, take part in focused workshops and meet with other young leaders from across the world.

The summit is designed to support companies and institutions to engage with emerging talent and help young leaders to build networks, share ideas to address the world’s biggest challenges and learn from different perspectives.

“Young leaders require and demand information and understanding about the big industries that drive economic growth and that can and want to adapt to make the world a better place.

“The mining sector is the economic spine of Africa and One Young World is determined to ensure that it is thoroughly understood by young leaders from every country in the world.

“Better understanding between future leaders in the industry, whether corporate directors or heads of trade unions, or governments and every other sector can only benefit the continent and the wider world,” One Young World co-founder and CEO Kate Robertson says.

ICMM president and CEO Rohitesh Dhawan highlights that it is important to ensure the next generation of industry leaders are properly equipped and guided correctly in their development and understanding of the mining sector.

“The world needs more mining and demands better mining. That means attracting exceptional talent into the sector, including those who may have never considered it before.

“It is one of the few sectors that has a clear growth path and opportunities for world-changing impact. That’s why I’m delighted that One Young World has put mining prominently on the agenda for the first time. It’s also why ICMM is proud to support scholars to attend their landmark summit,” Dhawan says.

Following the summit, scholars will become One Young World ambassadors giving them access to a network of global leaders, support for their work and ongoing opportunities to collaborate.