The London-based International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has announced that John Drexhage of the Canada-based International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) will join ICMM as Director - Climate Change.

Mr. Drexhage, who has been Director of IISD's Climate Change and Energy Program for 10 years, will be taking up his new position in mid-March.

The appointment signals that the mining industry has taken seriously the challenge of climate change.

ICMM President Anthony Hodge said, "I am thrilled to welcome John to the organization. His widely-acknowledged expertise is precisely what the sector needs to advance constructive thinking on climate change. The fact that we have turned to IISD reflects our respect for them as an organization."

"John's appointment is an important development which will enable ICMM and its members to play a meaningful and constructive role in addressing the challenges presented by climate change," added Mick Davis, chair of the ICMM working group on climate change, and chief executive of Xstrata.

In 2009, ICMM's Council of CEOs ratified a common policy on climate change, and since then the organization has been working to reach a better understanding of what role the mining industry should play with regard to climate change. The creation of a directorship under John Drexhage sees the formalization of this sustained effort.

About ICMM
ICMM is a CEO-led collaborative that brings together 18 of the largest mining and metals companies in the world. It also serves as an umbrella for 30 national and regional mining associations and global commodity associations.

ICMM's 18 companies employ about a million individuals across the world in roughly 800 operations located in 60 countries. Several thousand communities are directly affected by their activities. Through its affiliated associations, ICMM's reach is extended to another 1,500 mining/metals companies and many thousands of additional workers and communities.

ICMM seeks to bring change that: (1) strengthens performance on environmental and social dimensions of mining and metals-related activity; and (2) through real action, positions ICMM members as a constructive force in society. ICMM's focus is on its members' social and environmental responsibilities where joint action makes sense. ICMM does not work in areas affecting market competition.

The ICMM Secretariat is a small, dedicated group of professionals. In the discharge of their mandate they reach out to many hundreds of individuals and organizations across the world. These include governments, indigenous peoples, international organizations, investors and financial institutions, communities, end-users, civil society organizations, academia, non-ICMM mining companies, consultants, and the media. www.icmm.com

About John Drexhage
John Drexhage has 18 years of experience on a broad range of areas related to climate change and energy, first as a domestic advisor and international negotiator on climate change with the government of Canada and then as an expert analyst and director for IISD. He was also a leading author with working group 3 (WG3) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He was lead author on chapter 11 of WG 3, focusing on mitigation from a cross-sectoral responsibility.

Prior to his position with IISD, John was Associate Director with the International Relations Directorate, (Environment Canada) coordinating the Canadian Government's policy positions in formal negotiations on climate change. Prior to this position in 1998, his other roles with Environment Canada in respect of climate change, included Manager Climate Change - International, Global Air Issues Branch and Senior Policy Advisor, Domestic Climate Change Program representing Environment Canada in federal-provincial negotiations on domestic actions on climate change. John is also a board member for the Voluntary Carbon Standard and the European based Climate Strategies research network.

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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