NEWS

07.03.11
Mining companies must collaborate with indigenous communities

Mining companies must engage constructively with indigenous communities, said ICMM's Aidan Davy at the second annual Mining, People and the Environment conference held in Toronto.

He highlighted the importance of developing meaningful relationships at every stage of the decision making process. Companies should be sensitive to traditional decision making structures, but also ensure that they engage those sections of the community that are often excluded, including women and young people.

While acknowledging and respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights and interests should primarily be seen as an ethical responsibility, there are also strong business reasons for companies to engage in this area.

“It is a complex and sensitive area, where mining companies have not always gotten it right,” he said. “And as we can see from recent cases, getting it wrong can profoundly affect share values and the reputation of the company.”

He also talked about the importance of implementing effective grievance mechanisms to ensure that any concerns can be raised and addressed.

In 2010, ICMM published a guide on Indigenous Peoples and mining, which lays out practical steps for companies to ensure best practices are followed and explores the cost of getting it wrong.

It was developed through a multi-stakeholder process – with the oversight of an Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group – and is designed to help ICMM member companies (and others) navigate the complexities associated with operating on or near indigenous lands. The Guide follows the release of a Position Statement on Mining and Indigenous Peoples approved by the ICMM Council of CEOs in May 2008.

“The Guide will support ICMM members to deliver on the progressive commitments outlined in ICMM’s Position Statement on Mining and Indigenous Peoples,” said Mr Davy. “This recognizes that in some instances where legal licence to mine is not matched by a social licence to operate, a decision may be made not to proceed with mining.”

News home

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Good Practice Guide: Indigenous Peoples and Mining
Read more
Download PDF

RELATED LINKS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Principle 03:

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

Principle 09:

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

© International Council on Mining and Metals 2011 │Terms and Conditions │Privacy Policy