Annual Report, 2015
I would like to welcome you to ICMM’s Annual Review 2015,my first as Chairman. It was my privilege to accept the role of Chair of ICMM in October 2015 and to continue the drivetoward our shared goal of delivering – and being valued for – the long-term contribution of the mining and metals industry to society. I would like to thank outgoing Chair Mark Cutifani for his contribution over the last two years and his focus on the importance of strengthening relationships based on transparency and trust, particularly with communities and civil society.
Over the last 15 years, ICMM has fostered significant progress in raising standards within the mining and metals industry: through leading practice guidance, policy engagement and collaborative partnerships. These are essential tasks and, throughout this report, we illustrate the positive steps the industry has taken. These are highlighted in full understanding that there’s always more that can, and must, be done to achieve a globally responsible industry.
2015 will be a year remembered for its challenges across the industry. Amongst continued market volatility and subdued commodity prices we witnessed the tragic failure of the Samarco Fundao tailings dam in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and I again extend our profound sympathies to the families and communities of those affected. ICMM has commenced a global review of tailings storage facility standards and critical controls. By convening this review we are supporting our members – and the broader global industry – to manage activities in a way that protects human health and the environment. Safety remains our number one value. It remains an imperative for our industry, and our ambition is to achieve zero fatalities.
Governments, communities and industries also pledged to work together to address the dual global challenges of inequality and development, and climate change. Pledges to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the transition to a low carbon economy will shape and transform the future of the societies in which we live.
Our 2016 plan builds on ICMM’s historical progress in improving the social and environmental performance of our industry. As a major catalyst for economic development, the mining and metals industry is in a unique position to work with communities, governments, global agencies and other development partners to support the achievement of these critical and interlinked goals.
In an increasing emphasis for the organisation, we must also better listen, understand and demonstrate the role of mining to, and within, society. ICMM’s work programme in 2016 underpins this renewed focus and with 23 of the world’s leading mining and metals companies and 35 national mining and commodity associations committed to the task we intend to make a difference.
While significant economic headwinds continue for our industry, I strongly believe we do our very best work in tough times, through a strengthened focus on partnerships and collaboration – and we share some of these in this report.
As the new Chair of ICMM, I look forward to working with leading mining companies, national mining and commodity associations and other partners to responsibly deliver shared benefit from the development of mineral resources.
Andrew Michelmore
ICMM Chairman