The Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) has released its fifth Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Performance Benchmarking Summary Report, building on seven years of industry data from member companies. This latest edition provides a comprehensive overview of industry-wide progress across 20 key indicators, highlighting continued improvement in ESG performance and operational standards.
Key findings from the 2025 report include:
· 172 million people-hours worked with zero fatalities, reinforcing the industry’s unwavering commitment to workplace safety.
· A notable reduction in Near Miss Frequency Rate compared to 2023, further strengthening safety culture.
· A continued decline in Environmental Incident Frequency Rate, demonstrating enhanced environmental management practices.
· Increased land rehabilitation, underscoring responsible environmental stewardship.
· Lower water intensity and a 50% reduction in waste intensity, reflecting more efficient and sustainable resource use.
· A growing number of sites achieving OHSAS 18001 / ISO 45001 certification, confirming adherence to international health & safety standards.
On behalf of the ZIA, Dr Keven Harlow commented: “Our annual ESG benchmarking exercise enables us to identify trends and drive continuous improvement across the zircon value chain. The 2025 report demonstrates measurable progress in the majority of 20 KPIs, underscoring the increasing importance of ESG performance to our industry.
“With over 172 million man-hours worked with zero fatalities, coupled with a continued decline in near misses, the industry’s commitment to safe and responsible operations is evident.
ZIA’s study remains a credible, independent source of ESG data for members. By benchmarking their performance against industry averages, companies can pinpoint opportunities for improvement and accelerate progress.
“By promoting transparency and continuous improvement, ZIA continues to play a leading role in advancing sustainable practices across the global zircon industry.”
The 2025 ESG Summary Report is now available for download from the ZIA website.
(Photo: © Kenmare Resources PLC)
