SOOP - SOOP Strategies

Dear Younger Self…

Dear Younger Self, Always speak up. And yes, you already do this but do it more. Don’t quiet your voice because the teacher yelled at you. She is coddling the boys. You, Younger Self, have every right to shout out the answer just as the boys do and not get into trouble for being ‘out […]

December 5, 2018

Engaging stakeholders during project development is a “thing”? (Yes, it is.)

Yes it is. And Sabrina Dias, Founder and CEO of SOOP Strategies Inc., will explain why… When a project team arrives, stakes ground, and begins developing a project it can be assumed that the project also comes with a model of development based on economic growth, a western idea of development, capitalism, market economies, efficiency […]

December 4, 2018

How can you achieve better value from sustainability assurance?

We wanted to tackle a difficult question: How can the sustainability assurance process create value for your organization? In other words, how can you get value out of sustainability assurance beyond the benefits of fulfilling membership requirements and receiving accolades for performing well? These are questions that most professionals involved in the assurance process at […]

July 10, 2018

Mining and Circular Economies – with Croissants and Coffee

On the Monday morning of #PDAC2018 we once again hosted colleagues, clients and friends at SDC’s second annual Breakfast Event for Mining and Sustainability, at the elegant National Club in Toronto. While coffee was poured and guests enjoyed an elegant breakfast, our keynote speaker did not disappoint. Business and sustainability guru, David Wheeler, provoked a […]

March 8, 2018

PDAC2018 Reflections – Let’s get better at telling our story

Does the mining industry have a public relations problem? PDAC 2018 was an invigorating experience that left me with a great deal of optimism about the future of the mining industry. Conference attendance reached near-peak levels and the buzz of enthusiasm was palpable at the trade show and investor exchange. Other highlights from the week […]

On being a minority in mining – a letter to my younger self

Today’s topic is highly personal and a departure from what I typically like to do i.e. industry based, unbiased, thought-leadership papers. However, the topic is discussed daily in conversation and on social media and thus warrants some discussion here. I am frequently asked by young professionals (women and men) how I got to this point […]

January 31, 2018

Transparency in Social Investments via ESTMA: What have we learned?

The Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA) came into force June 1st, 2015 with a clear objective to make the social investment process more transparent. This means a better understanding of how communities are benefiting from hosting Canadian companies and operations, and ultimately dissuade corrupt practices in the extractives sector around the world. Natural Resources […]

October 10, 2017

Celebrating Five Great Years

SDC is celebrating a milestone this year, our fifth year in business. We are excited to build on our previous success and look forward to working with new and existing clients on interesting projects including strategy, reporting, assurance and developing thought leadership. PDAC Breakfast Event Each year during the first week of March, Toronto welcomes […]

March 30, 2017

Ready. Set. Go! Preparing for the Sustainability Reporting Season

At many companies, the (sometimes painful) process of sustainability reporting is about to begin if it hasn’t already. To make this process as smooth as possible, it is wise to get your ‘house’ in order; to identify your wants and needs for this reporting year and decide on the key messages you want to convey […]

November 15, 2016

Interview by MMTA’s magazine ‘The Crucible’

Last fall I was interviewed by The Crucible, an industry magazine published monthly by UK’s Minor Metals Trade Association (MMTA). Thank you to the writer, Bryant Dulin, for lovely conversation with insightful questions. The article, called simply ‘Managing Sustainability’, sought to identify sustainability as a strategy for risk management – a practical philosophy to which I have always subscribed and practiced. […]

July 5, 2016

Vulnerability in mining

Brene Browne – The power of vulnerability This TED Talk by Brene Brown on vulnerability resonates with me on several levels, and so I wanted to share it here, an oldie but consistently relevant. On a personal level, being vulnerable is a tough thing to do. It means being exposed to the risk of wounding […]

March 3, 2016

The Story Begins

This is me. I am a community relations field officer at heart, I thrive and come alive when I’m at an exploration or mine or mine construction site. All my senses are heightened when I’m in the communities, invited into humble homes, sharing tea and stories around a charcoal fire. Listening to hopes and dreams […]

February 4, 2016