Transparency in the mining and metals sector is on the rise, according to new figures released by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

A growing number of ICMM member companies are disclosing social and environmental data, with 17 out of 18 reporting in line with GRI standards last year. This is revealed in the latest performance assessment published in ICMM's 2010 Annual Review - Making progress through dialogue.

"We have seen a significant rise in the level and quality of sustainability reporting among ICMM members this year," said ICMM President Anthony Hodge. "This is encouraging both in terms of the work being done by ICMM, but also as a reflection of a growing culture of transparency in the industry."

Fifteen out of 18 companies obtained a G3 A+ application level. This means they reported on all the indicators required in the GRI Mining and Metals Sector Supplement and sought independent third party assurance. In 2009, eight companies reported to this level.

The sector supplement was developed by GRI in partnership with ICMM and sets the standard for the entire industry. Today, mining accounts for the fifth highest number of GRI reports globally.

The 2010 data from GRI reveals a 12% increase (from 103 to 115) in reporting among mining and metals companies from the previous year. More than half (62) of these reports now follow the sector specific guidelines.

Maaike Fleur, Senior Manager Reporting Framework at GRI said: "The mining industry can have a big impact on our world, both on society and on the environment. ICMM's Annual Review 2010 shows that the sector is making great progress towards transparency."

ICMM represents many of the largest companies in the sector. As part of their membership commitments, all companies are required to report in line with the GRI G3 Guidelines, the sector supplement as well as their implementation of ICMM's ten sustainable development principles.
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About ICMM
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) was established in 2001 to act as a catalyst for performance improvement in the mining and metals industry. Today, the organization brings together 18 mining and metals companies as well as 30 national and regional mining associations and global commodity associations to address the core sustainable development challenges faced by the industry.

ICMM serves as a change agent - not in areas affecting competitive positioning, but related to our members' social and environmental responsibilities where collaboration makes sense. Our vision is one of leading companies working together and with others to strengthen the contribution of mining, minerals and metals to sustainable development. www.icmm.com

About GRI
GRI provides the world's most widely-used sustainability reporting framework. The Sustainability Reporting Guidelines let large and small companies, non-profit organizations and government bodies worldwide assess their sustainability performance and report on the results. The Guidelines contain indicators that companies can measure to assess their performance on economic, environmental, social and governance issues.

GRI also produces 'Sector Supplements' - versions of the Guidelines tailored to different sectors. The GRI Mining and Metals Sector Supplement includes a sector-specific commentary on the Guidelines' content and additional Performance Indicators for the sector, ensuring that sustainability reports by mining and metals companies effectively cover the sector's key issues. www.globalreporting.org

Mining and Metals Sector Supplement: http://www.globalreporting.org/ReportingFramework/SectorSupplements/MiningAndMetals/

GRI Reports List: ttp://www.globalreporting.org/ReportServices/GRIReportsList/

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

ICMM is a CEO-led industry group that addresses key priorities and emerging issues within the sector. It seeks to play a leading role by promoting good practice and improved performance internationally and across different commodities.

ICMM provides a platform for industry and other key stakeholders to share challenges and develop solutions based on sound science and the principles of sustainable development. Its vision is for a respected mining and metals industry that is widely recognized as essential for society and as a key contributor to sustainable development.

ICMM's mission is two-fold - to distinguish its members as industry leaders and to make a contribution to raising standards across the industry as a whole.

To be an ICMM member, a company must build trust and respect with key stakeholders as a result of good performance in sustainable development, including clear and comprehensive approaches to reporting and assurance.

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