evidence: Ironically, a more intense focus on environmental, governance and social (ESG) issues has been accompanied by additional scrutiny to the permitting process, which is adding to these delays. [...] Ensuring project credentials are impeccable is essential for the granting of any permit. [...] A solution may be to move toward a single-touch environmental approvals approach for mining projects, as has been the case in Australia; projects there can now take just two years to start construction.