Sustainability is present in all business areas, regardless of the productive sector. From the regulatory environment to the demands of the different industries under which operations are conducted, their decision-making processes and relationships with clients and consumers. In fact, in Chile, the home country of ME Elecmetal, according to the Sustainability Monitor Study (Ipsos 2024), Chileans are aware of the seriousness of climate change and the importance of sustainable actions in daily life, with only a moderate perception regarding the management of this issue at the national level.
In the case of companies, this is reflected in various work agendas, as well as in communication with the most relevant stakeholders, where the concepts of Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) occupy different spaces. However, how familiar are consumers and decision-makers with the concept of Sustainability? And specifically in the mining industry, what are the most frequently mentioned attributes by commercial actors when choosing a product or service? Finally, how is this approach present in other regions where ME Elecmetal operates, such as North America and China?
According to the Ipsos study in Chile, 50% of the sample (5,000 cases) either do not know or incorrectly identify the concept of Sustainability, while 25% have a partial or close idea of it. Only 25% claim to correctly recognize the idea, with environmental issues being the most recognizable, especially associated with concepts such as commitment to reducing, recycling, and managing generated waste, as well as the responsible use of natural resources and the generation of environmentally friendly products and/or services.
For example, when delving deeper into the perceptions of grinding ball customers, the study “Perceptions and Reflections” conducted by ME Elecmetal in April 2024 identifies the most recognized attributes by buyers and, although Sustainability was not spontaneously mentioned, it is undoubtedly an aspect that has gained ground in the mining market.
The study emphasizes that Sustainability is mainstream and a key concern for the next 5 years, looking towards 2030, with the responsibility for its implementation being an integration of efforts in a triad composed of company intent, supplier and supply chain practices, and government drive.
In this regard, and related to actions taken by the Company, the generation of environmentally friendly products and/or services is a task already underway, especially with the development and implementation of the Sustainability Strategy through its four pillars, supporting the creation of Integral Solutions and recent innovations such as the CO2 Lite grinding ball plus a series of Value Added Engineering Services, better known as VAES.
As a Partner for Sustainable Mining, ME Elecmetal:
Offers comprehensive solutions, services, and products for mining and target markets.
Prioritizes sustainability through integrated management of environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
Ensures high-quality products with technical performance.
Provides excellent pre- and post-sales support.
According to information gathered from ME Elecmetal, the attribute of Sustainability in products (in this case grinding balls) is mentioned after other variables, which speaks of Sustainability as the positive effect resulting from high technical performance, competitive price, and trust. Thus, in the purchase decision, it seems established by the combination of these factors, which transform it into a sustainable process in itself, directly associated with the final effect of value addition rather than as an attribute in itself. In other words, a product with good technical performance, a competitive price, and that generates trust will be a sustainable product for the customer.
“Sustainability at ME Elecmetal is an aspect of growing interest among our customers and decision-makers, and as a company, we are precisely delivering a comprehensive solution that addresses this sustainability attribute at different levels.”
ME Elecmetal has had Sustainability present throughout its history through Innovation, Collaboration, and Circularity; in fact, it was the first foundry in Latin America to base its business on the operation of an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), which requires Metallic Raw Material, MRM, i.e., scrap, understood as a steel by-product.
Along with this, since 2022, the company began developing, through a participatory diagnosis, the entry of priority Sustainability topics for the development of the subsequent Strategy, as a roadmap for this management, with associated indicators and goals.
Since then, progress has been made in various initiatives, but the challenge of continuing to do so with evidence-based communication, with indicators, goals, and projects functional to meeting these, is established, aligned with the value proposition of delivering comprehensive solutions.
This aligns with the main findings of the cited Ipsos study, which states that people expect more communication from companies regarding sustainability and that the challenge lies in how to achieve a balance between tactical communication (prices, offers, products) and companies’ contributions in ESG matters.
