Pursue continual improvement in environmental performance issues, such as water stewardship, energy use and climate change.
Industry has a responsibility to be proactive in contributing practical solutions to the significant environmental challenges facing society. ICMM members commit to apply the ‘mitigation hierarchy’ to address adverse impacts of operations and deliver sustainable benefits for people and planet. They also commit to the responsible production of the metals needed for a low-carbon future.
The performance expectations

Developed with extensive input from NGOs, international organisations and academics, our Mining Principles establish baseline performance expectations for a responsible mining and metals industry. These five requirements define ICMM's environmental performance expectations of company members.
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6.1: Plan for closure
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6.2: Implement water stewardship practices
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6.3: Effectively manage tailings
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6.4: Prevent pollution and manage releases and waste
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6.5: Improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions

About ICMM's Mining Principles
ICMM’s Mining Principles strengthen social and environmental requirements, on issues such as labour rights, resettlement, gender, access to grievance mechanisms, mine closure, pollution and waste. Watch our film to learn more.
1. As of 5 August 2020, all ICMM members committed to implement the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). All tailings facilities operated by members with “Extreme” or “Very high” potential consequences will be in conformance with the Standard by 5 August 2023. All other tailings facilities operated by members not in a state of safe closure will be in conformance with the Standard by 5 August 2025.
2. Riverine tailings, freshwater lake and/or shallow marine tailings disposal may be considered only if deemed to be the most environmentally and socially sound alternative, based on an objective and rigorous environmental and social impact assessment of tailings management alternatives. The scope of the assessment should be agreed between the company member and the host government.