The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released its 2015 Annual Review: A global approach to collaboration, outlining industry leading work on water management, climate change, engagement with Indigenous Peoples and responsible sourcing.
The review examines the progress being made to improve performance in the mining and metals industry through closer global collaboration. ICMM chair Andrew Michelmore (CEO, MMG) notes that ‘[o]ver the last 15 years, ICMM has fostered significant progress in raising standards within the mining and metals industry: through leading practice guidance, policy engagement and collaborative partnerships. These are essential tasks and, throughout this report, we illustrate the positive steps the industry has taken.’
ICMM’s achievements in 2015 include:
Publication of A practical guide to catchment-based water management setting out a collaborative approach to water management that considers the needs, concerns and priorities of other water users.
Issuing of a member endorsed statement on climate change outlining industry’s commitment to effective climate change policies.
Publication of an updated Good practice guide on Indigenous Peoples and mining identifying principles for positive engagement that foster respect for rights, interests, aspirations, cultures and livelihoods.
Launching the first ever comprehensive guide on responsible sourcing. Demonstrating value: A guide to responsible sourcing builds on past work undertaken by ICMM to ensure that sustainability challenges are considered throughout the value chain.
2015 will also be a year remembered for its challenges. The tragic failure of the Samarco Fundao tailings dam in Minas Gerais, Brazil shows that ‘there’s always more that can, and must, be done to achieve a globally responsible industry.’ In December 2015 ICMM announced the commissioning of a global review of tailings storage facility standards and critical controls. It will encompass inputs from multiple stakeholders and members, and make recommendations for future action.
Looking towards the future, the 2015 annual review introduces ICMM’s strategic objectives for 2016-2018. ICMM’s new strategic plan, introduced by CEO Tom Butler, ‘encompasses three core themes that will shape all of ICMM’s activities: environmental stewardship; the role of mining and metals in society; and human well-being. Importantly, the plan also encompasses an enhanced focus on outcomes.’
Download the annual review here: http://www.icmm.com/document/10041