Skip to main content
Professional Certificate

ESG & Social Responsibility

Intake commences 14 July 2025

  • 40 PD hours 40 PD hours
  • 100% online 100% online
Enrol now

ic_round-star.pngic_round-star.pngeic_round-star.pngic_round-star.pngic_round-star.png  AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)

Professional Certificate

ESG & Social Responsibility

Intake commences 14 July 2025

  • 40 PD hours 40 PD hours
  • 100% online 100% online
Enrol now

ic_round-star.pngic_round-star.pngeic_round-star.pngic_round-star.pngic_round-star.png  AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)

Course Overview

  • Minimise ESG harm, maximise value.
  • Analyse ESG performance critically.
  • Deep dive into ESG in mining.
  • Manage ESG risks, threats, and opportunities.
  • Gain knowledge and skills to apply ESG/SR requirements in your workplace

Who is this for?

  • Asset-level front-line leaders across all mining functions
  • Corporate and investment-related professionals in the resources sector
  • Consultants across all disciplines
  • Mining professionals looking to enhance their skills in ESG analysis, performance, and assurance review.

Course Modules

In this module you will learn about ESG, Social Responsibility and Society and how to build a sustainable future, key points covered are below:

• Describe the history of sustainable development and how it has evolved into present day ESG/SR expectations
• Summarise different societal views of sustainability and how resource sector enterprises need to respond
• Explain why all resource sector professionals need to consider ESG/SR performance in their daily work
• Reflect on the importance of ethical thinking and how this can affect resource enterprises’ reputation and long-term success
• Identify moral dilemma in ESG/SR matters and related decision making
• Reconcile different views on ESG and Social Responsibility

• Reference AusIMM’s Social Responsibility Framework and Statement links to membership/workplace expectations
• Recognise theoretical sustainability frameworks and how they influence ESG/SR expectations and behaviours
• Explain the multi-capitals economic model and how it translates into sustainability
thinking
• Adapt sustainability thinking for workplace application and know how to analyse ESG/SR-related issues to identify priorities
• Explain the concept and elements of enterprise management control architecture
• Participate in various ESG assessment methods at enterprise and asset-level

• Explain why risk in the social domain requires different thinking than conventional risk/hazard approaches
• Outline the difference between social impact and social risk, how they interrelate
and how to prioritise with other risks
• Stakeholder groups - who they are, what they might think about resource development and how to connect with them
• Explain the purpose of ESIA and the difference between regulatory and business driven ESIA
• Help participants “know when they don’t know” something and call in Environment
and Social Performance experts
• Summarise why everybody working at a resource enterprise needs to pay attention
to ESG/SR issues and behave accordingly

• Understand how ESG/SR accountabilities can be designated across all enterprise
functions at asset level
• Describe a simple model for planning and executing ESG/SR-related work in a
properly informed and competent way
• Understand how and why proper social and environmental induction is vital for
context-specific desirable workplace behaviours
• Recognise how to incorporate ESG/SR into strategic and asset planning, addressing
different timeframes
• Explain why and how ESG/SR elements need to be integrated into enterprise functional planning and plans.
• Explore ESG-related modifying factors that might be applicable to formal resource
valuation documentation

• Outline typical enterprise governance architecture and ESG-related control delegations
• Reference and summarise ESG-related global principles, standards, codes and guidance, and reconcile to local requirements
• Match ESG-related standards and metrics for performance tracking 
• Apply due diligence thinking to ESG-related matters during project evaluations
• Reference relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to resource enterprise activities
• Align enterprise activities/outputs to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) elements

• Contribute to enterprise annual sustainability and/or ESG reports
• Understand human rights and why human rights due diligence review is important
• Understand why consideration of Indigenous and land-connected peoples is important in resource sector contexts
• Consider the value of local level agreements in various resource sector contexts
• Know the importance of cultural heritage management in resource sector enterprises and development scenarios
• Develop value propositions to gain competitive advantage through attention to ESG/SR-related matters

Course Pricing

Member Price
A$2,644
Price is inclusive of 10% GST
  • Exclusive discounts
  • Access to digital library
  • Networking opportunities
  • Professional development
  • Industry insights
Enrol now
Associate membership and enrolment bundle
A$2,890
Price is inclusive of 10% GST
  • Exclusive discounts
  • Access to digital library
  • Networking opportunities
  • Professional development
  • Industry insights
Become a member & enrol
Non-member
A$3,454
Price is inclusive of 10% GST
  • Exclusive discounts
  • Access to digital library
  • Networking opportunities
  • Professional development
  • Industry insights
Enrol now
Save 10% on group bookings Enquire now

Enrolments now open

Enrol now

ic_round-star.pngic_round-star.pngeic_round-star.pngic_round-star.pngic_round-star.png  AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)

Download the course brochure

Professional Certificate in ESG and Social Responsibility

Learning Objectives

  • Trace ESG evolution from sustainability.
  • Align ESG with operational performance.
  • Apply global ESG standards to mining.
  • Learn enterprise ESG governance systems.
  • Explore real world examples of enterprise ESG governance.
  • Understand the role of ethics in decision making
  • Develop ESG-related strategy and action planning
  • Learn transparent ESG monitoring and reporting.

Course structure

The eight-week course consists of six modules over six weeks, with a final two weeks to complete written assessments. Each module consists of:

  • Live virtual classrooms (recordings made available with 24 hours)
  • Pre-recorded videos, featuring interviews with experienced industry experts
  • Interactive learning activities and discussion
  • ‘Take home’ analytical tools that can be used in the workplace
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Additional reading including case studies

The written assessment (Part A and Part B) requires participants to complete short answer questions that address the content presented in each module.

Live sessions are recorded and available within 24 hours for participants who are unable to attend.

Course schedule

Course dates Virtual classrooms Assessments due

Course commences: 14 July 2025

Course closes: 7 September 2025

Module 1: Wednesday 16 July, 11.30–13.30 AEST

Module 2: Wednesday 23 July, 11:30 - 13:30 AEST

Module 3: Wednesday 30 July, 11.30–13.30 AEST

Module 4: Wednesday 6 August, 11.30–13.30 AEST

Module 5: Wednesday 13 August, 11.30–13.30 AEST

Module 6: Wednesday 20 August, 11.30–13.30 AEST

Part A due: 24 August 2025

Part B due: 7 September 2025

 

Free template

Business case to attend

Getting approval to undertake a course can sometimes be a challenge. To assist you in putting together a compelling business case to your manager, we have prepared an email template. It’s easy to use – just copy, fill in the blanks and email to your manager.

Course facilitators

Bruce Harvey

FAusIMM(CP)
Geologist, Social Performance Professional
Bruce has 45 years of worldwide field experience in the resources sector, first as an exploration geologist and for the past 25 years as a Social Performance professional. He was Global Practice Leader Social Performance at a major resources company for eight years.

He is an Adjunct Professor at the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland and until recently was a Guest Lecturer at the University of Otago (NZ) MBA School delivering a course called ‘Leading Sustainable Enterprises’.

A member of the AusIMM Social and Environment Committee, he facilitated the development the Institute’s Social Responsibility Framework and the Environment and Social Performance competency development tool.

Narelle Wolfe

MAusIMM
Head of Sustainability & ESG, AusIMM
Narelle has been a member of AusIMM for 28 years and is an Industry Fellow at Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland. 1

She began her career as a geologist where she became interested in broader issues in the resources sector and joined the AusIMM in a policy capacity in early 2000s. 1

She then spent the bulk of her career in a variety of site and corporate ESG and Social Performance roles for both large and small companies across several commodities and complex jurisdictions.

Narelle has served on AusIMM Branches, Committees and Societies during her career is proud to be back bringing the breadth of her operational experience to support the advancement of ESG capability development and professional standards within the resources sector and AusIMM.

Janina Gawler

FAusIMM
Director, RST Solutions for Community Engagement
Janina Gawler is an applied social scientist and consultant specialising in the design and delivery of resilient, sustainable and trusted partnerships between communities and developers. She has over thirty years senior executive experience working with corporations and governments on sustainability and social performance. During her fifteen-year career with Rio Tinto she was Vice President for Communities and Social Performance and global practice leader establishing Rio Tinto’s social performance standard and related audit program.

Building effective partnerships with communities has been her career focus. Her work has included development of resettlement programs for emerging economies in Africa. She has negotiated land access with Indigenous people across Australia and developed strategies for engagement with First Nations and Indigenous people in Canada and USA, respecting and recognising Indigenous rights and working with mining companies to ensure continuing social licence to operate. A former CEO of the Australian National Training Authority. Janina was also Mayor and Councillor of the City of Echuca.

Alan Irving

FAusIMM
Principal Environmental Consultant and Director
Alan Irving (FAusIMM CP(Env) has had a long career in the mining industry since starting out as a forester working in mine rehabilitation. He has worked on-site in coal operations (Queensland and Indonesia) and copper/gold operations (Western Australia and Indonesia). He later specialised in environmental impact assessment and feasibility studies and is now an independent environmental consultant. He has worked on projects in Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, Mozambique, Mongolia, UAE, New Caledonia and Australia.

Dr Geraldine McGuire

FAusIMM
Managing Director, Sustainable Solutions Global
Dr Geraldine McGuire has worked on transformative projects throughout Australia, Asia and the Pacific developing solutions which balance economic, environmental, and social aspects to achieve enduring outcomes. With over 30 years of experience in the mining industry, Geraldine is competent in managing complex project closure, repurposing and approvals processes, leading impact assessments and undertaking stakeholder engagement, community development, environmental management, auditing, gender analysis and workshop facilitation involving large teams of industry professionals, government representatives, community residents and Indigenous peoples. Geraldine is committed to the empowerment of Indigenous groups and poverty alleviation in rural communities through effective development and sound environmental management. She believes in capacity building of minority groups through transparent, humane and gender balanced practices.

Geoff Deans

MAusIMM
Director, Modifying Factors
Geoff Deans has worked in all phases of resource development - exploration, projects, corporate and operation. His roles have included Project Director, Expansion and Growth for the OZ Minerals Carrapateena Block Cave Mine Expansion located in South Australia and the inaugural Group Manager Social Performance for OZ Minerals and led the company’s approach to social performance and sustainability. Geoff was also Principal Advisor Land Access for the development and construction of Carrapateena Mine the 275km Hill to Hill power transitions line.

Geoff holds an MBA from the University of South Australia, a Masters of Community Relations for the Resources Sector from University of Queensland, a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact Assessment from Macquarie University, a Bachelor of Education from Flinders University and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also an AusIMM Chartered Professional for Social Performance and a board member of Indigenous Education and Boarding Australia (IEBA).

Course content has been guided by the AusIMM ESG and
Social & Environment Committees, with special thanks to:

Mark Noppe

FAusIMM(CP)
Director of WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre
Mark is a geoscientist with over 30 years’ mining industry experience in exploration, mining geology, practical geostatistical applications, resource estimation and reporting, mine reconciliation, feasibility studies, technical audits and due diligence. Mark has worked in South Africa, Western Australia and Queensland as a geologist and consultant and provides advice, training and mentoring in all aspects of orebody knowledge. His technical experience covers a wide range of projects, geological and mining settings, and commodities, including bauxite, diamonds, coal, copper, cobalt, iron ore & magnetite, lead-zinc, sulphide and laterite nickel, niobium, potash, phosphate, PGE and gold projects in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Mali, Tanzania, UK, Indonesia, China, Canada, Chile, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Far East.

Past participants share their experiences with AusIMM Courses

See what past participants are saying about AusIMM's Online Courses

 

Video
Video
Video

Customer Testimonials

I found this course extremely valuable to my career development. The content is high quality with plenty of references and resources to deepen our knowledge. I enjoyed the case studies which illustrated the type of issues that can be encountered in the resource sector. Overall, it helped me to better understand and address ESG-related issues in my role.

Participant of August 2021 intake

I highly recommend investing in AusIMM's ESG course. I learnt ESG principles that are transferrable and I can apply these to mineral exploration, mining and renewable energy organisations and projects that all share the uncertainty of significant environmental and social impacts. I've gained new insight and I'm now better equipped, with a range of tools to address risks, reduce stakeholder impacts and grow benefits for more people.

Peta Abbot, Participant of October 2023 intake

The ESG course is fully packed and is designed with the clear intent to provide participants with key tools/resources not only during the eight-week duration of the course, but long after and beyond online discussions. The course materials provide links to topics that one may wish to further deep dive into. The proficient facilitators, being experienced and seasoned in the mining industry, are well-positioned to talk about their subject matters. I learned solid principles that I will be applying to my work daily.

Minerva Chaloping, Participant of March 2024 intake

Frequently asked questions

The course will be run entirely online via a cloud-based platform which can be accessed via computer, tablet or phone. Participants will simply need to have a working Internet connection and a computer, tablet or phone with sound to access the course. Please note that some course videos and the virtual classroom recordings are hosted on Vimeo. Participants in regions where Vimeo is blocked may need to use a VPN to access these materials.

The entire course will run over eight weeks (six modules over six weeks plus another two weeks to finish all course components). It is expected that participants will take about 40 hours to finish the entire course. This includes attendance at live virtual classrooms and completion of all learning activities.

Yes, it is a requirement for participants to complete all modules and pass all learning activities, including the final assessment. A professional certificate will be awarded upon successful completion.

We aim to run two to three intakes each year.

Unfortunately no, participants must complete the course in its entirety.

No, the course is currently delivered in English only. We are looking at delivering the course in other languages in the near future.

Participants can earn professional development (PD) hours for undertaking the online course. One contact hour of technical content is equivalent to one PD hour.

Terms and Conditions

AusIMM Course Terms and Conditions

Privacy Collection Statement

AusIMM Course Privacy Collection Statement

Subscribe to receive free resources, exclusive interviews with subject matter experts and other professional development information.

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.