Annual Report, 2019
The global health crisis posed by COVID-19 is unlike anything that companies, families and communities have faced before. The contribution of metals and mining to important aspects of our modern world has been critical in responding to the crisis: enabling the production of healthcare equipment, medicines and PPE; building the communications infrastructure that has allowed us to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues; and supporting the health and wellbeing of communities themselves.
Meeting an unprecedented challenge requires unprecedented unity, empathy and consideration for one another. Around the world we have seen those qualities on display, from small gestures of kindness and support to whole companies working together to share their health and safety expertise. In bringing together the CEOs of 27 of the world’s leading mining and metals companies and 38 national and regional associations, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is no stranger to finding innovative ways of working together. We are doing that again with COVID-19, and it gives me every confidence that collectively we will emerge more resilient, ready to support economic recovery and to continue our progress towards supporting a low-carbon future.
The assistance given by ICMM member companies at this time is a continuation of the positive leadership that followed the Brumadinho tailings facility collapse in January 2019. In response to the tragedy, ICMM CEOs met and agreed to establish a process to develop a global tailings standard. In partnership, with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), CEOs and expert advisors from all ICMM members have worked hard to reach consensus on a standard that we can all stand behind.
As I complete my tenure as Chair of ICMM, I do so with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future. Not only for the progress outlined herein, but also for the leadership role for which the organisation is being rightly recognised. Over the past three years, I have seen ICMM member companies come together to develop and put into practice strategic priorities that enhance mining’s contribution to society. This has included the adoption of enhanced membership requirements (ICMM’s Mining Principles); aspirational goals for cleaner, safer mining vehicles; and guidance on a wide range of topics, such as water management, integrated mine closure and community engagement protocols.
Over the course of ICMM’s nearly 20-year history, the mining and metals industry has seen some fundamental changes for the better. There is still much more that can be done and I wish my successor every success in continuing to address the challenges that face us: ensuring health and safety; eliminating poverty and inequality; transitioning to a low-carbon economy; and communicating to the public the contributions of mining to building a better
world. I know that in ICMM, the mining and metals industry has the right vehicle for making progress together on these issues.
Finally, I would like to thank the ICMM team for their tireless work in promoting the organisation and our industry’s many constructive contributions. I wish everyone the best of luck in delivering on its current programme and in addressing future challenges.
Donald R. Lindsay
Chair, ICMM
President and Chief Executive Officer, Teck