ICMM is pleased to welcome two new companies "“ AREVA and Hydro "“ as its latest members. Their respective chief executives, Anne Lauvergeon and Svein Richard Brandtzæg, were welcomed at the latest meeting of ICMM's Council of CEOs in Barcelona today.

"We are delighted to have AREVA and Hydro join ICMM," said Richard Adkerson, CEO of Freeport-McMoRan and ICMM Chairman. "It truly demonstrates not only the commitment of these companies to the principles of sustainability but also the growing recognition of ICMM's role in helping companies address these challenges."

AREVA and Hydro are the first two companies to join ICMM through its new member admission process. This was approved by ICMM's Council of CEOs in May 2010, and makes the process of applying for ICMM membership more rigorous and transparent.

Both companies were recommended for membership by an independent expert review panel on the understanding that each company meets the full membership requirements within a two-year time period.

"The panel believes that AREVA and Hydro have much to contribute and will make welcome additions to ICMM," said panel chair Britt Banks, formerly General Counsel of Newmont. "The level of engagement and commitment demonstrated by their respective management teams on the issues of sustainable and responsible mining was impressive."

"The AREVA group is honoured to join the ICMM and I am personally very pleased to attend the Council's annual meetings," said AREVA CEO, Anne Lauvergeon. "It will be for AREVA, a major mining actor, the opportunity to interact with all the member mining companies and improve best practices."

"Hydro's mission is to create a more viable society by developing natural resources and products in innovative and efficient ways, which has underpinned our 105-year history," says Hydro President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg. "Hydro's recent move into the bauxite mining business in Brazil provides us with new opportunities and challenges. I hope and believe that ICMM will be an excellent platform for sharing and learning about how to deal with these challenges, to ensure that our industry moves ahead in a responsible and sustainable way. I am looking forward to our participating in this important organization."

Full details on the process that each company followed are outlined in ICMM's latest publication "“ In brief: New Member Admission Process "“ released today. It is available to download at www.icmm.com/new-member-process.

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 20 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 AREVA
AREVA is the largest uranium mining producer in the world. Its mining business group covers exploration, extraction and processing of uranium ore and the reclamation of sites after production has finished. It holds a broad portfolio of mines in operation in Canada, Kazakhstan and Niger, as well as several projects under development in Africa, Central Asia and Canada.

About Hydro
Hydro is a global supplier of aluminium with activities throughout the value chain, from bauxite extraction to the production of rolled and extruded aluminium products and building systems. Based in Norway, the company employs 23,000 people in more than 40countries. Rooted in a century of experience in renewable energy production, technology development and progressive partnerships, Hydro is committed to strengthening the viability of the customers and communities we serve.

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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