We are thrilled to resume our trailblazer series by shining the spotlight on Grace Barrasso, the Global Head of ESG and Risk at ArcelorMittal mining segment. Our trailblazer series highlights the journeys of seasoned ESG and sustainability professionals, and Grace’s remarkable career is nothing short of inspiring.
Grace Barrasso brings over two decades of expertise to spearhead sustainable practices in mining. With a strong academic and multidisciplinary background and fluency in English, French, and Italian languages, Grace excels in navigating complex challenges in environmental and social governance. She is passionate about creating long-term positive impacts on the environment and communities, leveraging her deep knowledge in environmental assessments, stakeholder engagement, and corporate sustainability.
In this interview, Grace shares her journey from EHS to ESG, her strategies for integrating sustainability into core business operations, and her vision for the future of mining. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone committed to advancing sustainability in resource-intensive industries. Read on to discover how Grace is leading the charge towards a greener future in mining!
YellowYellow (YY): Could you share with us how you initially got involved in the mining industry, and later transitioned into focusing on ESG?
Grace Barrasso (GB): Absolutely. My entry into the mining sector was quite serendipitous. Initially, I was deeply embedded in the sustainability and Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) fields through my academic pursuits. My professional journey began in a broader metals context when I joined Alcoa Europe as an EHS Regulatory Affairs Manager, based in Brussels. This role offered me a broader perspective beyond just waste management (my previous role), encompassing air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and water management. The comprehensive nature of these issues, coupled with extensive training in health and safety, marked my initial foray into the metal’s world. It was here that I first engaged with mining projects, which piqued my interest and led me to embrace the mining sector fully. My commitment deepened as I lived and worked in various countries across West Africa, further integrating into the industry.
YY: As the focus has shifted from EHS to ESG, how have you seen your role and the industry’s approach evolve, and can you describe a significant ‘Aha’ moment in this journey?
GB: Early in my career, I faced a directive to address NGO concerns about our greenhouse gas emissions, which was simplistically framed as ‘make it go away.’ Engaging with these groups, I quickly realized the depth of the environmental challenges we faced in smelting. This led to the formation of a committee to tackle these issues through stakeholder engagement, marking a shift from compliance to proactive environmental stewardship in my career, reflecting a similar overall industry trend.
Over the years, my role expanded beyond managing risks to fostering genuine community engagement and integrating sustainable practices into our core business strategies. What was once considered a ‘nice to have’ has become essential and this transformation was helped along by regulations like Canada’s National Pollutant Register, which mandated public transparency of emissions data. This transparency was a game changer, reinforcing the necessity for accountability.
However, the real ‘Aha’ moment came with COVID-19, which temporarily reduced human industrial activity, visibly improving air quality, and increasing wildlife activity. This stark example drove home the impact our practices have on the environment and accelerated a shift towards sustainability that is now deeply integrated into our operational strategies. Today, sustainability considerations are central to business decisions, reflecting a fundamental shift in both industry standards and societal expectations.
YY: As a global ESG lead at a multinational mining company what does your day-to-day look like and what keeps you up at night?
GB: Each day, I navigate the complex landscape of ESG planning and execution at both the organizational and site levels. My role extends beyond strategic oversight; I actively ensure that every new project integrates ESG considerations from the start. On the ground, I translate broad corporate strategies into tangible actions, mindful of the immediate business realities. I am deeply involved in mentoring colleagues and fostering an educational environment that prioritizes rapid problem-solving and practical application of our sustainability goals. This involves everything from ensuring climate-resilient tailing dams to adopting biodiversity initiatives, truly bringing our ESG commitments to life in every aspect of our operations.
The challenge that keeps me up at night is addressing the compliance and modernization of our older mining sites. These sites, built decades ago, now need substantial upgrades to meet today’s stringent environmental standards. The task of securing the necessary funding for these upgrades is daunting yet crucial for aligning our legacy operations with contemporary ESG requirements.
YY: From your vantage point, what is next for mining as an industry?
GB: The future of mining is poised for a technological transformation. Real-time data collection and AI (Artificial Intelligence) automation will enable instantaneous reporting, allowing governments and stakeholders immediate access to operations and ESG metrics. This shift requires robust IT infrastructure, with a significant role for IoT and IT specialists in maintaining these systems.
Innovative techniques like eDNA testing will enhance our ability to monitor at-risk aquatic species, ensuring better environmental stewardship. Additionally, the industry will see a stronger focus on social equity, with active participation from indigenous communities becoming standard. Real-time grievance mechanisms powered by AI and IoT will also improve responsiveness to employee and community concerns, marking a new era of engagement and transparency in mining.
Grace Barrasso’s dedication to ESG at ArcelorMittal Mining is truly inspiring, highlighting the power of enthusiastic individuals in driving positive change. We are grateful to Grace for sharing her impactful journey and rich perspectives with us.
Our Trailblazer Series celebrates professionals who are genuinely advancing sustainability and making an impact. Want to nominate a colleague or friend for the next segment? Send us a message: hello@yellowyellow.ca.
