This summer, I interned with Regeneration, a Washington, D.C.-based B-corp organization dedicated to responsible remining, innovation, and environmental restoration. They prioritize sustainable post-mining land use, reducing environmental liabilities, and creating biodiversity and carbon credits, all while balancing commercial and social goals. Safety is paramount in their operations, with a strong emphasis on building relationships with communities, indigenous groups, and governments. This experience allowed me to dive deep into mineral mining and sustainability. My role was twofold in line with the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the placement. First, I analyzed how ESG factors impact mining companies'stock prices. This entailed identifying ESG factors within mining, creating an ESG indicator framework, and extensively self-studying due to my limited background in this sector. My results were later incorporated into Regeneration's corporate white paper. My second task was a strategic market analysis on bauxite residue, a byproduct of aluminum production. I produced a detailed report on environmental implications, disposal techniques, recycling potentials, cost-benefit analyses, and future hurdles. This research shed light on current sustainable priorities in the metals and mining realm.

My primary role was twofold. First, I crafted a report analyzing the impact of ESG principles on the stock prices of mining companies. This involved strategizing, measuring social consequences, and performing ESG valuations. Using knowledge from my Sustainable Development Policy Practice class, I effectively structured the project, intending to employ nature-based solutions to address the ESG issues prevalent in mining firms.

Second, I participated in an in-depth market analysis focused on recycling bauxite residue. This endeavor necessitated a detailed assessment of recycling technology capabilities, coupled with a cost-benefit analysis comparing traditional disposal techniques to innovative recycling methods for the Regeneration team. Drawing upon my background in venture capital business analysis and my International Energy Project Finance class, I integrated basic commodity financial modeling into the research, ensuring a sound cost-benefit evaluation.

Two weeks into my internship, I was already encountering challenges, especially in quantifying the social impacts of nature-based solutions in the mining sector, an area unfamiliar to me. To address this, I sought guidance from my line manager, who generously provided reference materials and online resources to deepen my understanding. I ensured consistent communication with him for clarification and feedback, even working overtime to master the subject. Furthermore, my foundational knowledge of the mining sector posed a challenge, prompting me to enroll in online classes tailored to the mining industry and the financial valuation of mining companies. With my proactive approach to seeking assistance, investing in self-improvement, and dedicated learning, I have overcome these challenges. My ultimate goal is to evolve personally and professionally, contributing significantly to the organization and promoting sustainable mining practices.

During my summer internship, I recognized the profound influence of economic incentives driving the private sector towards sustainability. My research on bauxite residue revealed its minimal environmental and health impacts, causing a historical reliance on conventional disposal by mining companies due to limited public sector concerns. Yet, with the rising public demand for sustainable development and government policies favoring ESG incentives, these companies are now reconsidering recycling over traditional methods. My experience also highlighted the centrality of ESG strategies within corporate blueprints, pushing companies to integrate ESG considerations throughout their operations to maintain a competitive edge. As I approach my second year, I've identified the need to bolster my expertise to become an ESG specialist in the private sector. I've enrolled in several ESG-centric courses this semester, encompassing topics like climate change and ESG investing, and signed up for a market research class at CBS to hone vital skills.