O Trade in CIM Magazine: Mapping the Capacity for Inclusion
November 23, 2023
Monica Ospina, Founder and Director of O Trade, recently discussed the innovative social solution, Capacity Mapping™, in an exclusive interview with CIM Magazine (November 2023 issue).
Monica Ospina, a distinguished expert in ESG, sustainability, and social performance, founded O Trade in 2007. The consultancy firm is dedicated to providing innovative solutions addressing challenges throughout the entire mining cycle, from exploration to closure. Ospina’s expertise and commitment to fostering relationships with traditional communities and Indigenous people have earned her recognition, including the Distinguished Lecturer award from CIM in 2020 and inclusion in Women in Mining’s 100 Inspirational Women in the Mining Industry in 2022.
In the interview with CIM Magazine, Ospina delves into the importance of mitigating risks in mining and mineral exploration projects through socio-economic inclusion. She emphasizes the need for a purpose-driven, partnership-oriented, and accountable approach to social innovation, as recognized by the World Economic Forum.
One of O Trade’s key contributions to the industry is the formalized approach to de-risking resource projects through Capacity Mapping™. Developed after 15 years of research, this innovative solution provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to social assessment, focusing on assessing capacities rather than just needs.
Capacity Mapping™ allows mining companies to plan and develop projects with a clear understanding of their social impact. By mapping regions in terms of skills, demand, and infrastructure, companies can identify opportunities for local workforce integration and inclusion. The methodology ensures transparent negotiations and measurable commitments, fostering collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders.
Ospina explains that the success of Capacity Mapping™ lies in its capability to measure capacities and demonstrate how mining can serve as an engine of development in sensitive regions. The solution enables companies to showcase tangible results and emphasize the transformative role mining plays in fostering socio-economic progress.
The interview also highlights O Trade’s successful early stakeholder engagement in a significant exploration project in Ecuador. Through a capacity-based approach, the consultancy firm established relationships, recognized Indigenous rights, and facilitated agreements that respected local traditions while ensuring environmental protection.
O Trade’s commitment to social performance and sustainability, as evidenced by Capacity Mapping™, positions the consultancy firm as a leader in developing practical solutions for the mining industry. The success stories shared by Ospina underscore the impact of strategic, inclusive, and transparent approaches to social and environmental concerns in mining and mineral exploration projects.
Read the full article in the November issue of CIM Magazine to learn how O Trade can help your project take a strategic, collaborative approach to redefining the industry by promoting socio-economic inclusion in mining project development. Their work provides thought-provoking insights for sustainability practitioners: https://lnkd.in/gFDfhxvs
About O Trade
O Trade is a socio-economic development firm with over twenty years of expertise in designing and implementing strategic ESG solutions to assist the private sector in partnering with local stakeholders. Contact us by emailing info@otrade.ca or calling +1 647 201 3161 to discuss how Capacity Mapping™ can support your business endeavors.