Stay ahead of the curve in the mining industry by embracing these seven CSR video trends that will help your company communicate its commitment to responsible practices. From storytelling to transparency, these trends are essential for engaging stakeholders and shaping public perception.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is crucial for companies, especially in industries like mining that impact the environment and communities. CSR videos are powerful tools that showcase accountability and transparency, shaping public perception. As we approach 2025, mining companies must stay updated with video production trends to engage stakeholders and demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices. By embracing these trends, they can effectively communicate their dedication to CSR.
Here are the 7 Mining CSR Video Trends:
1. Authentic Storytelling
By 2025, mining companies must show genuine dedication to CSR initiatives through authentic narratives. Video content should provide an unfiltered look at operations, highlighting environmental efforts, employee experiences, and support for local communities. Authentic storytelling builds trust, credibility, and brand loyalty.
Rio Tinto, a leader in the mining industry, is committed to addressing environmental challenges related to mine tailings. In its CSR video, the company showcases its dedication to improving the storage and management of mine tailings through Aida, a tailings and dams engineer. Aida’s authentic perspective further emphasizes Rio Tinto’s position as a frontrunner in tackling this critical issue.
2. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting
Mining companies must utilize videos to effectively communicate their ESG commitments and achievements as the importance of ESG criteria rises. The content should not only inform but also engage and be easily comprehensible. By utilizing creative data visualization and storytelling, mining companies can bring their ESG reports to life, ensuring accessibility and relatability to various stakeholders.
Fortescue, an Australian iron ore company, highlights its accomplishments and future goals in a captivating CSR video. The video features employees from various sectors of the company, giving us a sense of the magnitude of their achievements and their impact on both the brand’s reputation and its workforce.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Tours
Through technological advancements, stakeholders can now experience remote mining locations through virtual tours and AR representations. These immersive experiences showcase companies’ CSR initiatives in a transparent and engaging manner.
This 11-minute video from the NSW Mining Council gives a tour of a mining site. With narration, it shows the lifecycle of a mine. The video highlights how effectively a VR format can simplify and explain complex topics like mining.
4. Community-Focused Content
Community-focused content showcases mining companies’ commitment to the well-being of the community, going beyond mere compliance. This can be done by sharing success stories, involving the community, and giving them a voice. By incorporating real-life experiences and testimonials, these videos will humanize your brand and strengthen community relations.
A good example of a community-focused initiative is Rio Tinto’s “#FindingBetterWays” series. This collection of stories showcases various communities and individuals who have directly benefited from the mining company’s sustainability efforts. One video, for example, focuses on the City of Albany, its mayor, and its residents. It highlights how Rio Tinto has contributed to the community’s development by creating safer and improved public spaces, such as a skate park. By featuring the diverse population of Albany in this corporate social responsibility video, the audience can easily connect with their experiences. This makes community-focused content an ideal format for your next video campaign.
5. Use of Drones and 360-degree Video
The use of drones and 360-degree videos provides stakeholders with a detailed view of mining operations, allowing them to explore previously inaccessible areas. These techniques offer breathtaking aerial views that showcase the scale of operations, the dedication to reclamation efforts, and the careful attention to environmental management.
Through drone videos, the Agnico Eagle CSR video was able to showcase the vastness of its restoration initiatives and the communities it supports. They use a sustainable approach to collect mine tailings and repurpose them. This video emphasizes the significant impact of sustainability on environmental restoration.
6. Short-Form Videos and Micro-Content
It’s important to grab attention with concise and engaging content. Social media users have short attention spans, so short videos that communicate CSR messages are essential. Even though micro-content is brief, it still needs to be crafted carefully to convey the main message and inspire sharing and engagement.
Glencore, a multinational company, showcases its organizational policies through a brief interview with Rob, a maintenance superintendent. The CSR video highlights how Glencore has supported Rob’s career path, including the positive impact of having three days off per week on his work-life balance. A simple yet encouraging sentiment towards those interested in applying to the company.
7. Leveraging Influencers and Thought Leaders
In the era of influencer marketing, thought leaders can significantly boost the reach and credibility of your CSR communication. By partnering with influencers who genuinely connect with your audience, you can humanize your brand, reach diverse groups, and gain fresh perspectives on your CSR initiatives.
Tom Palmer, CEO of Newmont Corporation, is featured in their latest CSR video. He’s also on the Governor-Mining and Metals Board at The World Economic Forum USA, Inc. and is a member of the World Gold Council, Inc. These roles establish Palmer as a key figure in the mining world. In the video, he discusses Newmont’s partnership with Caterpillar, an equipment manufacturer, to create a greener transportation method for mining gear. Palmer’s clear narration underscores Newmont’s commitment to sustainability.
What’s Next?
The evolving landscape of CSR video production in 2024 is evident through clear indicators such as climate change, modernization, and technological democracy. Mining companies can benefit from these trends by effectively communicating their commitment, transparency, and genuine concern for the environment, employees, and social welfare. To present mining companies as responsible corporations, video producers and marketing directors must constantly innovate and adapt their strategies. Investing in these trends goes beyond mere keeping up; it recognizes the crucial role of effective communication in promoting sustainable and ethical practices that benefit companies, communities, and the environment. The impact of these trends will extend far beyond 2025, so it’s crucial to leverage them now.
M2.0 Communications is a video production agency in the Philippines that specializes in creating brand videos, CSR videos, explainer videos, and animation videos designed to tell your brand’s story effectively. Visit our case studies to learn more about the brands we collaborate with.
