ICMM | Our work • Work programs • Environment

WORK PROGRAMS

Environment

Because of the nature of the mining and minerals industry, much of its work is carried out in parts of the world which boast rich natural resources and are often environmentally sensitive. We have a duty of care to ensure our industry behaves in a sustainable way, minimizes impact and maximizes benefits on ecosystems.

Strong performance is a key factor in facilitating or inhibiting access to land and capital and is a fundamental component of the industry’s reputation.

The Environment work program aims to strengthen our capacity to improve environmental performance.

Alongside this aim is the need to work effectively with governments and local communities to improve environmental behaviour and ‘raise the bar’ on good practice. Risk management is key part of this and much of our work – on water, mine closure and biodiversity for example - focuses on it.

ICMM recognises the role of properly designated and managed protected areas. In some cases, even after all technically and economically feasible steps to reduce adverse impacts have been considered, exploration and mining development may not be compatible with the conservation objectives of a protected area. For this reason, ICMM members have committed not to explore or mine in World Heritage properties.

We also aim to anticipate and proactively address trends and issues related to environmental considerations and to encourage transparent and robust risk-based approaches in international policy-making.