NEWS

07.07.09
Mining sector leads way on indigenous peoples' issues, says new report

The mining sector is the best performing sector in dealing with indigenous peoples’ issues, according to a new report by the Ethical Investment Research Services (EIRIS).

Mining companies meet the highest number of indicators, even though no company in any sector meets a good or advanced grade overall. For example, Rio Tinto meets 13 out of 16 indicators. (The company receives an intermediate grade overall, because it does not report on two of its indigenous peoples’ engagement programmes.)

In order to be ranked as intermediate a company must have an indigenous rights policy, a commitment to adopt free prior and informed consultations and engage in meaningful and ongoing discussions with the indigenous community.

EIRIS attributes the mining sector’s positive performance to the success of ICMM’s work culminating in the release of a Position Statement on Mining and Indigenous Peoples Issues (approved June 2008). ICMM is praised for its commitment to meaningful participation and engagement practices, as well as the framework to publicly report on progress and share good practice across the industry.

The report also assesses sectoral performance in four key areas: corporate policy, free prior informed consultation, employment and resettlement. Mining companies score highest across all four categories – which ranks them considerably ahead of the oil and gas, forestry and agricultural sectors.

Policy

This category measures whether companies have adopted a public commitment to respect indigenous rights throughout their global operations.  43% of companies that meet this indicator belong to the mining sector.

Free prior informed consultation/consent

This refers to the consultative process that should take place ahead of operations that are likely to disrupt indigenous communities.  45.5% of companies meetings this indicator belong to the mining industry.

Employment

This category covers whether a company has disclosed targets or figures for the employment of indigenous peoples.  Nearly 51% of those satisfying these requirements are mining companies.

Resettlement

This section covers whether companies have a policy commitment to avoid involuntary resettlement. 69% of companies that perform adequately against this indicator are from the mining sector.

To read the full report click here.

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Principle 09:

Contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which we operate

Principle 03:

Uphold fundamental human rights and respect cultures, customs and values in dealings with employees and others who are affected by our activities.

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