www.mining.com
Gold miners' $18.2B payout masks rising ESG pressures
Gold miners’ payments to governments surged 77% to a record $18.2 billion last year as stronger prices for the precious metal boosted fiscal contributions even as the industry struggled with rising emissions and energy intensity, according to Metals Focus. The Uk-based consultancy’s Gold ESG Focus 2026, published Monday, compares environmental, social and governance performance across 18 major producers. Local procurement rose by $1.7 billion to a record $30.8 billion, marking an eighth consecutive annual increase. “The financial contributions of the companies we track remained strong, with payments to governments rising 77% to a record $18.2 billion,” Sarah Tomlinson, director of mine supply at Metals Focus, said in a release. “Local procurement also reached a new peak of $30.8 billion, underscoring the sector’s vital role in supporting host economies.” The results show the growing financial contribution miners are making to host countries while highlighting a more uneven environmental picture. Investors are increasingly assessing ESG performance alongside risk, capital allocation and long-term value creation as extreme weather, political unrest and community relations pose threats to mine continuity. Emissions pressures Combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions were virtually unchanged in 2025 at 29,898 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, but average emissions...
