Hot off the press! We’re back again with brand new interview as part of the YY Trailblazer series, shining the spotlight on industry professionals who are making a difference by prioritizing – and championing – sustainability. Want to nominate a colleague or friend for the next segment? Send us a message at hello@yellowyellow.ca.
This quarter’s trailblazer is Julia Gartley, a mineral processing professional engineer, project management executive, and committed volunteer within the mining community.
As Vice President – Health, Safety, and Sustainability, Julia leads the ESG and sustainability strategy at one of Canada’s top engineering consulting firms, where she is also a member of the Board of Directors. Julia also lends her industry insight and expertise to a TSXV-listed polymetallic mining exploration company, and Mine Shift, a non-profit organization focused on creating safe and inclusive workplaces in the mining industry.
Our interview with Julia reveals her authentic passion for promoting sustainability and equity in her work, board responsibilities, and personal life. Read on to learn more about how Julia, a genuine trailblazer, is doing her part to make an impact in the mining industry.
YellowYellow (YY): As an active board member for both private and public organizations, what do you consider to be the primary challenge in planning and implementing an effective ESG strategy?
Julia Gartley (JG): When it comes to setting and implementing an effective ESG strategy, it’s important to first understand your organization’s current state of affairs and set a baseline. By establishing a baseline, we can identify areas for improvement and set realistic and measurable goals that make sense for the company. In addition, from experience serving on both public and private boards, keeping ahead of continuously evolving standards is a challenge all boards are facing. ESG is a broad framework covering a spectrum of issues, so it is important to identify the true priorities where the organization can effect meaningful change. By focusing on material risks and opportunities specific to our operations, we can drive positive change more effectively.
YY: How does your technical experience in mineral processing shape your decision-making process when formulating an ESG strategy?
JG: My background in mineral processing lets me bring a different perspective for how to approach and tackle problems. In mineral processing you are always at the front end of the design process, waiting for the inputs from other functions to feed into the design. This is the same position I find myself in with setting ESG goal and targets. We’re at the beginning of the design process – I need to organize the inputs and take a step-by-step approach to emphasize and anticipate potential issues, then incorporate preventive measures early in the design process.
YY: As a board member of Mine Shift, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces in the mining industry, you recently shared a thought-provoking question on LinkedIn: “Do you aspire to be ‘part of the change you wish to see in the world?'” This adaptation of Gandhi’s famous quote carries significant meaning. How does this question resonate with your personal values and career?
JG: This question speaks to my core values. Rising to a board-level position at multiple organizations in the industry allows me to influence and promote positive change, advocate for policies and practices that can create lasting and authentic impact. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and has a right to work in an environment where they feel safe and valued. This is how I’m striving to part of the change I wish to see in the world around me, including in my current role on the board at Mine Shift. Mine Shift was born out of the MeToo movement by a team of industry professionals who wanted to develop a platform to bring to light the need for change and accountability within the mining industry. My own personal experience, including a MeToo moment, has fueled my commitment to Mine Shift’s vision and purpose.
YY: Your career in the mining industry has provided you with the opportunity to visit many unique places worldwide. Is there one destination that stands out as your favorite, and if so, why? What is one valuable lesson you have learned by exploring other countries & cultures?
JG: It would be too hard to pick just one! The opportunity itself to explore these places has been truly incredible. I’ve been fortunate to visit so many unique places worldwide that I would likely never have travelled to if it weren’t for my work in mining. Before the pandemic, I was able to visit the DRC, other parts Southern Africa and South America. I’ve also spent some time in various communities across BC, the Yukon, Ontario, and parts of the US. In many of these travels I spent time living, or staying, in mining camps or small towns. As such, I got a glimpse of what life is like for the workers who live in the nearby communities and better understand their daily lives. This experience emphasized the notion that despite how different our lives and experiences may be from those around us, you can always find somewhere you share common ground. Thinking about this reminds me to look out for shared values rather than differences.
YY extends a huge thanks Julia for her time and insight! Our next YY Trailblazer interview will be out next month. Did something catch your eye in this month’s interview? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@yellowyellow.ca to get started on your ESG journey.
