Reporting Sustainability Results

GMA Garnet Group has released its inaugural Sustainability Report for 2023, outlining the company’s efforts in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic sustainability. The report provides an overview of GMA’s ongoing commitments and the metrics used to track progress.

With GMA CEO Grant Cox describing it as “a report of transparency, accountability, and unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices for our employees, our communities, and our stakeholders,” we speak to Group People and Sustainability Manager Cameron Sargeant to learn more.

What was the most challenging aspect of compiling the sustainability report, and how did you overcome it?

Our first sustainability report presented a number of challenges, such as deciding what to capture, identifying data sources, and aligning with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) methodology. Our working group and subject matter experts deserve special recognition for working through these challenges and remaining resilient throughout the process to produce a fantastic outcome.

What’s one initiative from the report that you believe will have the most significant long- term impact on GMA’s sustainability goals?

Rather than a single initiative, GMA’s sustainability progress is driven from a collective effort of our people, processes, and systems. These key areas not only address immediate concerns but also position GMA for long-term success. Our focus on reducing emissions, optimising water use, and fostering a healthy workforce ensures we meet evolving sustainability standards while building a resilient future.

How did you ensure that the data and metrics in the report are both accurate and meaningful to our stakeholders?

That involved a rigorous process of data verification and validation, including cross-referencing information from different departments across all regions and engaging a third-party to provide an objective assessment of our data. Additionally, we also aligned with GRI to ensure that meaningful and relevant information was documented.

What are the key lessons learned from this year’s sustainability efforts, and how will they influence future strategies?

Developing and releasing our report establishes a baseline, providing valuable insights for future decisions. As reporting regulations intensify and the link between sustainability and governance strengthens, forming the right partnerships are essential. This will help us align strategy with both internal and external expectations, fulfil our public commitments, and build on our team’s achievements.

Can you share a success story from the report that demonstrates the tangible benefits of our sustainability efforts to the community or environment?

Something which resonated with me is GMA’s commitment to garnet recycling and reprocessing programmes throughout our Middle East and Americas operations. Since 2019, GMA has reprocessed over 160,000kT of garnet, diverting it from landfill. I look forward to seeing this number grow over the upcoming years as more countries recognise the importance of sustainable waste management practices, including reprocessing and reducing landfill waste.