Sandvik CFO Nerissa Jalim outlined her approach to sustainability in the mining sector at the Treasury Leadership Forum held in Johannesburg recently. She spoke of initiatives like green steel procurement, carbide recycling, and energy-efficient engineering solutions as part of the company’s broader ESG strategy to support cleaner, safer and more efficient mining operations.
Nerissa took centre stage at the Treasury Leadership Forum, hosted by Standard Chartered at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westcliff, Johannesburg, where she outlined the group’s strategic approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
Speaking as part of a panel, she emphasised that sustainability remains one of Sandvik’s core strategic objectives, and her role as CFO has increasingly demanded innovative thinking on how to meet ESG targets, while maintaining operational efficiency and profitability.
“Sandvik is an engineering company and our brand is about ‘making the shift’ – shifting not only in terms of technology, but also in how we support the mining sector in transitioning towards more sustainable practices,” she said.
Nerissa spoke about several initiatives aimed at improving the company’s ESG footprint, particularly its efforts to reduce scope three emissions – those generated across the value chain rather than directly by the company itself. One key initiative involves Sandvik’s partnership with SSAB to introduce green steel into its supply chain.
“Green steel significantly reduces emissions associated with the production of mining equipment. By integrating it upstream, we’re not just reducing our own emissions, but also supporting our clients in achieving their climate goals,” she said.
She added that among the practical innovations is Sandvik’s carbide recycling project, which separates and reuses materials like steel and titanium. This circular approach, she explained, is crucial for improving environmental performance across product life cycles.
CFOs and ESG
Other examples included the use of titanium powder, which contributes to lower carbon emissions, and advanced cooling pressure valves that improve energy efficiency in mining operations. “Our technology not only lowers emissions, but also improves underground safety through reduced vibrations and enhanced machine performance,” Nerissa added.
She also spoke about Sandvik’s “TransformMine” initiative – an integrated offering that partners with mining companies to help them move from carbon-intensive operations towards cleaner energy solutions.
“We look at the full picture – cost, timeline and feasibility – and how we can align our product offerings with the mine’s long-term strategy for net zero,” she said. “Our aspirations are linked to the Paris Agreement, but we also understand that not all African mines can meet the same timelines. That’s why partnerships are essential.”
Nerissa, who has an MBA and recently completed a dissertation on CFO perspectives on ESG, said her research showed that finance leaders must evolve from their traditional roles to embrace broader strategic responsibilities, including sustainability.
“CFOs have been doing the same thing for decades. ESG challenges us to think differently, and it requires collaboration across sectors,” she said.
Nerissa also announced plans to form an ESG forum in South Africa, aimed at uniting multinationals and public entities around sustainability goals. “We’re looking for like-minded partners who understand that ESG isn’t just about compliance – it’s about purpose and long-term value creation.”
