According to CEEC CEO Alison Keogh, the deal benefits the mining sector on a global level due the alignment of both groups' missions for energy-efficient and lower-footprint mining.

Lundin, which has operations in Brazil, Chile, Portugal, Sweden and the US, said it was mining base metals vital to society in a responsible way.

"We seek to continuously improve our sustainability performance," Lundin's group metallurgist Ron McGregor said. He also spotlighted its 'responsible mining policy' that outlined its management commitments and laid out a framework and a single point of reference for its sustainable development practices.

"Under this framework we commit to develop and implement management systems and operating practices that take into consideration applicable international guidelines. Our values of excellence and integrity in our actions mirror the objectives of CEEC, which is why we are pleased to form this partnership," he added.

The not-for-profit CEEC is funded entirely by mineral industry sponsorships. Members include Anglo American, Ausenco, CRC ORE, Eriez, FLSmidth, Gekko, Glencore Technology, Hatch, Magotteaux, ME Elecmetal, Molycop, Newmont, Oricam, Oz Minerals, Petra Data Science, Teck Resources, Toms Institute, University of Adelaide, Weir Minerals and Wheaton Precious Metals.