ICMM - International Council on Mining & Metals

The International Council on Mining and Metals - ICMM - was formed in 2001 to represent the world’s leading companies in the mining and metals industry and to advance their commitment to sustainable development.

However its conception can be dated to two years earlier, when the global mining firms accepted at the highest level that their sector was facing significant problems in reputation, sustaining profits, access to new assets and maintaining investor and employee confidence.

2009

ICMM undertakes a major strategic review, evaluating efforts to date, and considering how best to position the organization for the future. For the first time, ICMM conducts an assessment of the progress that each member company is making against their commitments under the Sustainable Development Framework.

A report on minerals taxation regimes, two guidance documents on human rights and one on artisanal and small-scale mining are published. This year sees the creation on Mining: Partnerships for Development – a new work program harnessed under the umbrella of the Resource Endowment initiative.

A policy on climate change is released in November. Other publications cover health risk assessment, the prevention of fatalities and chemicals management. Two position statements – on Transparency of Minerals Revenues and Mercury Risk Management are approved by Council.

2008

In May, ICMM launches a strategic review of the organization’s goals and objectives that continues to be developed through a series of workshops and discussions.

An upgraded Assurance procedure is published, outlining ICMM members’ commitment to independent external assurance. Further publications are released, including a Mine Closure Toolkit, Good Practice Guidance on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and two guidance documents on REACH – the EU’s new chemicals legislation. An ICMM position statement on mining and indigenous peoples is published.

A delegation of ICMM members take part in a roundtable session at the African Union Conference of Ministers Responsible for Mineral Resources Development. ICMM is present at the ICEM’s quadrennial world congress on mining, and emphasizes the IUCN's 4^thWorld Conservation Congress in Barcelona.

2007

ICMM publishes a report with feedback from ICMM's draft position statement on Mining and Indigenous Peoples issues.

ICMM holds a multi-stakeholder workshop culminating in the publication of a report, The Setting and Use of Occupational Exposure Limits - Current Practice in conjunction with the UK's Institute of Environment and Health (IEH).

ICMM publishes MERAG - metals environmental risk assessment guidance, HERAG - health risk assessment guidance, and Materials Stewardship, Eco-efficiency and Product Policy. It also co-sponsors the REACH Metals Gateway website with Eurometaux.

2006

ICMM Council approves pilot assurance procedure for third party assurance of reporting in accordance with the GRI framework as well as implementation of tICMM's 10 principles.

ICMM hosts its inaugural conference on Safety & Health in Johannesburg.

ICMM publishes Resource Endowment Spotlight series and Phase 1 and 2 reports, Good Practice Guidance for Mining and Biodiversity, Maximizing Value, and Towards a Harmonized Approach to Setting Occupational Exposure Limits.

2005

ICMM Council commits corporate members to report to the highest standards of non-financial reporting, that is “in accordance” with the GRI framework.

ICMM’s President joins the newly established World Bank Extractive Industries Advisory Group.

ICMM publishes the Community Development Toolkit, Mining and Indigenous Peoples Issues Review, Financial Assurance for Mine Closure and Reclamation, and Good Practice in Emergency Preparedness and Response.

2004

GRI-ICMM Working Group completes Mining and Metals Sector Supplement to GRI 2002 Guidelines.

ICMM participates actively in the World Bank’s Extractive Industries Review (EIR) and endorses the final focus on sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

ICMM publishes Integrating Mining and Biodiversity Conservation.

2003

ICMM members recognize the environmental values of certain protected areas and pledged not to mine or explore in World Heritage Sites.

ICMM Council adopt 10 guiding principles, the first element of ICMM’s Sustainable Development Framework.

2002

The GMI concludes with a major global conference, Resourcing the Future, held in Toronto, Canada. ICMM member companies sign the Toronto Declaration committing ICMM to continue the work started by the MMSD project and engage in constructive dialogue with key stakeholders.

Publication of the MMSD’s Breaking New Ground report. 

2001

The board of the metals industry’s representative organization, the International Council on Metals and the Environment (ICME) agrees to broaden the group’s mandate and transform itself into the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).

Creation of ICMM, with a secretariat based in London.

2000

Start of an independent process of consultation and research known as the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project, led by the late Richard Sandbrook at the International Institute for Environment and Development.

1999

Nine of the largest mining and metals companies launch the Global Mining Initiative (GMI) in order to prepare the sector for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002, the tenth anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit.