ICMM | Our work • Work programs • Materials stewardship

WORK PROGRAMS

Materials stewardship

An integrated or life cycle approach to the production and use of minerals is necessary to ensure that the level and patterns of use of mineral commodities are aligned with the principle of sustainable development. This is the issue at the heart of ICMM’s Materials Stewardship Program. The goal is for an industry that through its actions maintains a social licence to produce and market mineral and metals products globally.

Materials stewardship is built on the premise that all participants have a shared responsibility for the performance of the whole materials cycle of which we are part, well beyond our direct operations. Accordingly it is vital for the mining industry to promote responsible design, use, re-use, recycling and disposal of the materials it produces.

The materials stewardship work program is structured in three work streams:

Life Cycle Management– developing tools, metrics and guidance to assist in understanding and promotion of metals recycling and eco-efficiency, as well as more accurate approaches to Life Cycle Assessment of metals.
Chemicals Management– providing robust scientific guidance on hazard and risk assessment for metals as well as engaging in the international policy arena.
Sustainable Consumption and Production – promoting the principles of materials stewardship and building capacity for action among partners throughout the life cycle of minerals and metals.