Express Concern about Environment
“We all want to end global warming,” Ranell adjusted the glasses perched on his nose to enable him to read the numbers on his spreadsheet, “but these projections seem rather optimistic. Are you certain the demand signal for rare earth will support this?”
“Dr. Ranell,” Ackerman leaned forward with a scowl, placing both elbows on the table as if preparing for an arm-wrestling competition, “Strange Lake is one of the best mining regions in the world. Our deposits comprise the full suite of heavy and light rare earths: neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.” He thumped a meaty finger on the table while he listed each rare earth element. "These are essential for the upcoming revolution in low-carbon industries. We project a 79% increase in supply to meet the demand projected by 2050. That forecasts a requirement of at least an additional 50,000 tons.”
Ranell leaned back and spread his hands out expansively to counter Ackerman's aggressive posture. He forced a big smile and hoped his display of enthusiasm for the project would shine through his fatigue. “As you are all well aware, the LMH-1 is not only designed to use less fuel than conventional aircraft. It also produces a much smaller carbon footprint."
“Of course, all that additional demand will be supplied using a holistic view that sustainability extends beyond just environmental issues,” Belair was quick to add, “Our Environmental, Social, and Governance is integrated within a comprehensive framework that takes indigenous cultural values into account. ESG-Indigenous is part of what makes this operation so special.”
Her comment made Ranell suddenly realize that this emphasis on sustainability was what bothered him. I don’t really care about global warming, or all that ESG stuff, Ranell thought dourly. That's a game for fools. I'm just trying to stave off bankruptcy. But if that’s what they want, that’s what I’ll give ‘em!
So he nodded in agreement, encouraging Belair’s enthusiasm. “We also avoid impacting this area's wildlife habitat. Consider the benefits to your caribou population."
“They have the lowest carbon footprint of any form of transportation!” Belair actually moved to stand next to where Ranell was sitting as she addressed her team. She was taking his side, and Ranell knew at that moment that he’d landed the deal.