ICMM is delighted to welcome Codelco – Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile – as its latest member company. Diego Hernández took part in his first meeting of ICMM’s Council of CEOs in London today.

“We are pleased to have Codelco aboard as an ICMM member,” said Marius Kloppers, CEO of BHP Billiton, who today took over from Richard Adkerson, CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, as Chair of ICMM.

“It signals the company’s commitment to working with their peers to advance the sustainable development performance of the sector in an open and collaborative manner.”

As part of its membership Codelco will be required to report publicly against their sustainable development performance on an annual basis.

Codelco’s membership was approved by an independent expert panel on the understanding that they will be able to fulfil all associated commitments within a two-year period. It is the third company to join ICMM using the new member process launched in May 2010.

Diego Hernández, President and CEO of Codelco, said: "Our company aims to be a leader in the way we care for the environment and neighbouring communities.”

“For Codelco, it is no longer enough to deliver the resources that benefit all Chileans, we must also play an active role in improving international sustainability standards. This is our challenge as we join this prestigious organization."

ICMM also welcomes four new associations to its membership: The Ghana Chamber of Mines, International Iron Metallics Association, International Manganese Institute and ITRI (the global association for the tin industry).

“Over the past few years our organization has grown as leadership companies have embraced the commitments that membership implies,” said Anthony Hodge, President of ICMM. “We look forward to working with our members as they continue to pioneer good practices in the industry.”

ICMM members meet three times a year to discuss pressing sustainable development challenges faced by the industry.

About ICMM

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) was established in 2001 to improve sustainable development performance in the mining and metals industry. Today, it brings together 21 mining and metals companies as well as 32 national and regional mining associations and global commodity associations.

ICMM serves as an agent for change and continual improvement. 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 Codelco

Codelco (Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile) is an autonomous company owned by the State of Chile, it is the world’s largest copper producer and the company that contributes the most to the Chilean economy."‹

Codelco is the main copper producer in the world. The Company also controls around 20% of the world reserves of this metal. Codelco is a major molybdenum producer and produces other by-products."‹

Codelco runs eight operations located throughout the center and north of Chile and its corporate headquarters are located at Santiago de Chile. www.codelco.com

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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