As the MIT Industrial Liaison Program’s (ILP) mining sector membership expanded from one company to eight by 2022, the ILP became a catalyst for collaboration across an industry seeking sustainable transformation.
Through deliberate engagement and relationship management, four founding members—Rio Tinto, BHP, Vale, and OCP—partnered with MIT faculty, including Professors Elsa Olivetti and Chris Knittel, to co-design the Minerals Stewardship Consortium.
“ILP’s guidance and network and OSATT’s expertise in structuring and negotiating transactions have been essential in driving this collaboration from idea to launch with the founding members,” says Ron Spangler, director at MIT Corporate Relations. “The ILP and OSATT will remain involved in this important initiative as it expands and grows.”
“The ILP and OSATT will remain involved in this important initiative as it expands and grows,” says Ron Spangler, director at MIT Corporate Relations.
Over 18 months of workshops, site visits, and active dialogue, the consortium recently launched with a shared research agenda focused on digital decision-making tools and ESG innovation in mining. With nearly $5 million in collaborative agreements, the initiative reflects the ILP’s unique ability to align industry priorities with MIT research expertise. As the cluster of ILP mining members grows, future efforts will aim to broaden participation and extend the MSC@MIT’s scope—advancing a new model for precompetitive collaboration in sustainable mining.
Learn more about the Minerals Stewardship Consortium and its origins at MIT in this MIT News feature: "Introducing the Minerals Stewardship Consortium at MIT," Office of the Vice President for Energy and Climate, MIT News