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World AIDS Day "“ ICMM Members Combat the Disease and the Stigma

World AIDS Day "“ ICMM Members Combat the Disease and the Stigma

Published 12-01-08

Submitted by International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

- December 1, 2008 - Many of the world's largest mining companies are engaged in individual initiatives and partnerships designed to combat HIV/AIDS, from providing for employee testing to community peer educator programs and from providing workplace and family treatment plans to funding cutting-edge research.

ICMM President Tony Hodge said: "A number of mining companies have shown leadership on the need to tackle HIV/AIDS. Mining has an important role to play in ensuring that the epidemic is brought under control, and that people can live and work with HIV and without stigma."

ICMM recently launched a Good Practice Guidance on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a disease management tool aimed at mine site managers and health practitioners, in recognition of the fact that the mining and metals industry is in a strong position to influence the course of these diseases, since it works in regions where they constitute a serious problem. The business case for doing so is strong, centred round employee well-being and positive financial impacts for companies.

World Gold Council has today launched a report, "Safeguarding Workplace and Community Health",which highlights the efforts of four of its member companies - also ICMM members - against the disease across Africa and Asia. This report references the new ICMM Good Practice Guidance.

Four ICMM members have joined over 100 companies in signing a memorandum of understanding with the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria for World AIDS day: a non-discrimination pledge to end stigma attached to HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Other member companies have ongoing engagements with the Global Business Coalition to combat HIV/AIDS.

Supporting materials:

For more case studies and information, visit the ICMM website, www.icmm.com or contact Fernanda Diez, Fernanda.Diez@ICMM.com


Notes to Editors:

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a CEO-led organization representing many of the world's leading mining and metals companies as well as regional, national and commodity associations. An important part of its mandate is dedicated to sustainable development. ICMM members 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 recognized as essential for modern living and a key contributor to sustainable development.

ICMM's 18 corporate members are:
Alcoa, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, BHP Billiton, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Gold Fields, Lihir Gold Limited, Lonmin, Mitsubishi Materials, Newmont, Nippon Mining & Metals, OZ Minerals, Rio Tinto, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Teck, Vale, Xstrata.

ICMM's 30 association members are:
Cámara Argentina de Empresarios Mineros, Cámara Asomineros Andi (Colombia), Camara Minera de México, CAMIVEN (Cámara Minera de Venezuela), Chamber of Mines of South Africa, China International Mining Group, Cobalt Development Institute, Consejo Minero de Chile A.G., Eurometaux, Euromines, Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, Indonesian Mining Association, Instituto Brasileiro de Mineraçao, International Aluminium Institute, International Copper Association, International Molybdenum Association, International Wrought Copper Council, International Zinc Association, Japan Mining Industry Association, Lead Development Association International, Minerals Council of Australia, Mining Association of Canada, Mining Industry Associations of Southern Africa, National Mining Association USA (NMA), Nickel Institute, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Sociedad Nacional de Minería (Chile), Sociedad Nacional de Minería Petróleo y Energía (Peru), World Coal Institute, World Gold Council.

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) logo

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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