Explain business (mining) ethics and how they are applied today

Some of us of a particular mid-range experience age will recall the 1990s instant classic movie Billy Madison. Very briefly, the plot includes Billy Madison going back to school, completing each grade in two weeks, to show he is worthy of taking over the Madison Hotel empire. Due to some shenanigans by Eric Gordon — an advisor to Billy’s father — Billy does not complete the challenge but then challenges Eric to an academic decathlon. The last event is a quiz show-type contest where Billy and Eric pick the topic the other must answer. After Billy provides an inspirational discussion as to how “The Puppy Who Lost His Way” is symbolic of industrialization and was unjustly and harshly judged, he picks the topic for Eric. The topic Billy chooses is “Business Ethics,” which Eric is unable to coherently answer. Ultimately, this proves to everyone that he is a sleazeball. Because Eric does not practice ethically, he is incapable of explaining ethics. Billy wins and ultimately foregoes taking over the company to continue school to become a teacher. This brings me to pose an open question to everyone: “Explain mining ethics and how they are applied today?” Code of ethics Each engineering association or society has developed a code of ethics and/or fundamental canons for those who serve and practice to follow. SME is no different. There is a stated code of ethics with which all SME Registered Members are to comply. The codes follow a similar progression of responsibility and priority, starting first and foremost with the safety and health of the public and the community. For example: Act with honor and integrity, while performing work only in your area of competence. Build your own reputation on actual merit rather than the tearing down of others to appear “better.” Apply your knowledge in the interest of your employer or client, as faithful representatives. When expressing opinions or making statements, be objective and truthful based on knowledge. Continue your own professional development and support those under your direction. SME has also included one more item that specifically addresses our role in mineral reporting. Although the SME code of ethics targets Registered Members, I strongly encourage all members to read and strive to follow the code, which can be found at: https://www.smenet.org/membership-benefits/membership-categories/code-of-ethics. Communication One of the first chief engineers that I worked under explained that my responsibility, granted with a focus on geotechnical risk, is to let him know what I know and when I know it, to the best of my ability based on the information available; explain what the potential risk and impact could be, and what information could help understand or refine that interpretation; and if the condition and/or risk changes, be sure to provide updates accordingly. So, tell people what they need to hear, when they need to hear it. They, or their supervisors, would be making decisions that impact a wide range of stakeholders. Even if it is bad news, knowing it in time to try and potentially address the risk before it progresses can be critical. The converse of this approach is one where the truth or facts are not communicated or discussed: Maybe to downplay the actual risk? Maybe to stick with the previously accepted “story” of the situation? This can be observed as limiting discussion; restricting access to discuss with those that can positively impact the situation; or an extreme case of minimizing documentation. Take-home assignment When I was developing this idea for a “Rock in the Box” article, one thing was clear to me — the space for this article is not long enough to properly discuss the topic. I suspect that it can be hard to concisely explain “ethics” and how to apply them. However, I am certain that it is one of those principles where you know it when you see it, when you experience it, when you live it — both the positive and negative examples. Therefore, your take-home assignment is to discuss the original question with your team: “Explain mining ethics and how they are applied today?” Just pose the question and see where it goes. Then discuss with your team your own experiences, thoughts and maybe some of your lessons learned. (Russell Sheets has been a member of SME since 2005 and a Registered Member since 2014. He currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chair for Program Planning on the Mining & Exploration (M&E) Division Executive Committee and sits on SME’s Professional Engineer (PE) Committee. For more information on how to get involved in the M&E Division or the PE Committee, email him at rsheets@barr.com.)

Explain business (mining) ethics and how they are applied today

Authored by: Russell J. Sheets

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

Fall is just around the corner, bringing back hazards of rain and reduced visibility

A big thank you to all of our Industrial Minerals Review authors

Submit to MINEXCHANGE 2027 proceedings and Environmental Division Student Poster Contest

Fall is just around the corner, bringing back hazards of rain and reduced visibility

A big thank you to all of our Industrial Minerals Review authors

Submit to MINEXCHANGE 2027 proceedings and Environmental Division Student Poster Contest

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

Stalwart support of Minnesota Section rewarded with selection of Hibbing for MEC Partnership Award

Colorado MPD marks 74th meeting in The Broadmoor with “Mineral Processing’s Got Talent”

Related Articles

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

The Art and Science of the Flowsheet

UCA Division officer nominations

Fall is just around the corner, bringing back hazards of rain and reduced visibility

A big thank you to all of our Industrial Minerals Review authors

Submit to MINEXCHANGE 2027 proceedings and Environmental Division Student Poster Contest

Fall is just around the corner, bringing back hazards of rain and reduced visibility

A big thank you to all of our Industrial Minerals Review authors

Submit to MINEXCHANGE 2027 proceedings and Environmental Division Student Poster Contest

Use Single Sign On