Now Reading
Leading Mining Companies Present at Major Conservation Forum
Leading Mining Companies Present at Major Conservation Forum
Published 11-17-04
Submitted by International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
Leading mining companies believe that responsibly managed mining operations can contribute positively to biodiversity conservation through good biodiversity practices and through helping alleviate poverty. Their participation in this event is grounded on their conviction that biodiversity conservation and sustainable development require business, governments and civil society to work collaboratively.
Paul Mitchell, ICMM Secretary General says:
"The mining industry recognises that, like many industrial sectors, it has made mistakes in the past. We know that we still have a long way to go and pledge to address the deep-rooted level of mistrust of our industry within conservation circles. Our members are committed to keeping their negative impacts to a minimum and believe that, if properly integrated into regional development and biodiversity conservation strategies, mineral-related investment can help alleviate poverty as well as foster improvements in the health, education and standard of living of local and indigenous communities."
Leading companies are pursuing onsite and offsite opportunities to enhance their contributions to biodiversity conservation. These include assessments and conservation of flora and fauna, research and development and support for protected area site management programmes. A number of companies have also established partnerships with conservation groups, and these are beginning to deliver on-the-ground conservation outcomes.
ICMM will be involved in the following sessions:
A publication compiling case studies of good practice in mining and biodiversity and other materials will be available at the ICMM booth (Plaza P22) and online at www.icmm.com/library_pub_detail.php?rcd=173.
Notes to Editors:
The International Council on Mining and Metals is a CEO-led organisation dedicated to sustainable development. ICMM comprises many of the world's leading mining and metals companies as well as regional, national and commodity associations, all of which are committed to improving their sustainable development performance and to the responsible production of the mineral and metal resources society needs. ICMM's vision is a viable mining, minerals and metals industry that is widely recognised as essential for modern living and a key contributor to sustainable development.
ICMM' 16 corporate members are:
Alcoa, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, BHP Billiton, Freeport-McMoRan, Lonmin, Mitsubishi Materials, Newmont, Nippon Mining & Metals, Noranda, Placer Dome, Rio Tinto, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Umicore, WMC Resources, Zinifex.
ICMM's 27 association members are:
Chamber of Mines of South Africa, Consejo Minero, Eurometaux, Euromines, Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, Indonesian Mining Association, Industrial Minerals Association-Europe, Instituto Brasileiro de Mineraçao, International Aluminium Institute, International Copper Association, International Lead Zinc Research Organization, International Wrought Copper Council, International Zinc Association, Japan Mining Industry Association, Minerals Council of Australia, Mining Association of Canada, Mining Industries Associations of Southern Africa, Nickel Institute, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Sociedad Nacional de MinerÃa y Petróleo, Sociedad Nacional de MinerÃa, SveMin, The Cobalt Development Institute, World Coal Institute.
About the IUCN-ICMM Dialogue
About the "No-Go" pledge
ICMM corporate members issued a landmark position statement on mining and protected areas in September 2003, which commits them "not to explore or mine in World Heritage Sites". This statement establishes key precedents for the mining and extractive industries at large. ICMM is currently examining the possibility of developing a reporting requirement, which would measure members' performance against their "no-go" commitment. For more information or to read the full statement, visit www.icmm.com/biodiversity.
About the World Conservation Forum (WCF)
The Forum is the part of the IUCN's World Conservation Congress open to non-IUCN members to discuss conservation and development issues at the regional and global scales. Over 3,000 delegates are expected. The Congress is the governing body of IUCN - The World Conservation Union. It is held every four years and represents the world's largest democratic environmental forum where governments and non-governmental organisations jointly establish conservation priorities, guide the Union's policy and approve its Programme.
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.
