“ My first degree was in conservation biology and environmental chemistry ,” begins Alison Allen , Deputy Managing Director at Wardell Armstrong International ( WAI ). “ I started out in Mauritius working on endangered bird species , which gave me a real appreciation for getting stuck in and making improvements for environmental outcomes . My transition to mining was a bit more serendipitous . Unlike a lot of my colleagues , I didn ’ t do a geology or mining-focused degree , but when I returned to the UK , I took a job in Cornwall , with a focus on brownfield regeneration and post-mining restoration .
I do believe the perception is changing , and raw materials are a critical part of the solution
“ Not only is Cornwall an amazing place to live , but it also boasts an incredible mining heritage . It was the mining center of the world in the 18th century , so has a fascinating history . While in that post , I undertook a Master of Science in Mining Environmental Management at the Camborne School of Mines . It was tough , as I did distance learning while juggling a full-time job . That said , it stood me in good stead , and I went on to work in all sorts of other industries , such as large infrastructure and strategic development . I moved back to Cornwall in 2010 and back to my roots in mining . I ’ ve been in the mining and ESG space ever since .”
Project variety
Now , Alison is also WAI ’ s Technical Lead for the International ESG team . “ I manage a really diverse group of people ,” she continues . “ We specialize in all aspects of the mining lifecycle : geology , exploration , mining , engineering , mineral processing , and core ESG activities . “ No two days are the same . One day , I could be on a client call regarding an iron ore project in Brazil , another , engaged in contract negotiations for renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan or equally , in discussions about lithium in the
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