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ICMM presents new guidance note on handling and resolving local level concerns and grievances
ICMM presents new guidance note on handling and resolving local level concerns and grievances
Published 11-24-09
Submitted by International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
ICMM presents "Human Rights in the Metals & Mining Industry: Handling and Resolving Local Level Concerns & Grievances", the second in a series of publications designed to help member companies deal with challenging issues in this area.
The publication sets out good practice approaches to help companies design and/or enhance existing complaints procedures or mechanisms. Focussing on this issue, which was highlighted in the recent publication, "Human Rights in the Metals & Mining Industry: Overview, Management Approach and Issues" complements ICMM members' work at the operational level to build strong, trusting relations with local communities around their operations.
This publication aims to:
- Describe a set of 'overarching design principles' that provide basic, high-level guidance for companies developing complaints mechanisms;
- Outline some basic criteria to help operations 'assess the nature of and potential for complaints' and so to develop a mechanism most appropriate to their situation;
- Present three possible types of mechanism, with incrementally greater levels of external engagement;
- Set out various ways in which global headquarters of companies can develop 'group-wide procedures' to support best practice locally.
The main audience for the guidance is ICMM's members and other interested companies in the mining industry.
As practice in this space continues to evolve, particularly through the work of John Ruggie as part of his second mandate to the UN and practitioners such as the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) for IFC and MIGA, this guide is released as a 'Pilot Testing' version. The intention is that ICMM: (i) apply the approaches outlined in-country over the next 12-18 months through its member companies; (ii) capture emerging lessons learned from the piloting process; and (iii) review and update the pilot testing version.
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.
