With unstable markets, demand less easy to predict and commodities increasingly competitive on supply, the mining industry needs to evolve now more than ever.

Whether it’s the development of a new mine in Central Africa or fracking in the English Home Counties, the scope for complex and sensitive human rights issues to arise is very real.

In 1837, mining engineer William Armstrong laid the foundations for what has become a successful multi-disciplinary international company. Today, the firm offers a wide range of skills across renewable energy, waste resource management, land and property, infrastructure and utilities. It also continues to build on a strong heritage in mining, quarrying and mineral estates. And a steadily rising proportion of the firm’s business – now some 40 per cent - is in international markets.

As teams from all over the world get in training for the 34th International Mining Games, to be held in Cornwall from 29 March to 1 April, engineering and environmental consultancy Wardell Armstrong is lending financial support as sponsors.