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09 – Social Performance

ICMM company members commit to pursue continual improvement in social performance and contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of host countries and communities.

Mining has the potential either to positively contribute to the social and economic progress of local communities or to adversely impact them. ICMM members promote social progress in host countries by meaningfully engaging with local communities to support activities that contribute to their lasting social and economic wellbeing, while providing mechanisms to resolve concerns and grievances.

Performance Expectations

Developed with extensive input from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations and academics, our Mining Principles establish baseline performance expectations for a responsible mining and metals industry. ICMM's Mining Principles include four Performance Expectations under Principle 9: Social Performance.

  • 9.1 – Contribute to Community Development

    Implement inclusive approaches with local communities to identify their development priorities and support activities that contribute to their lasting social and economic wellbeing, in partnership with government, civil society and development agencies, as appropriate.

  • 9.2 – Support Local Economic Opportunities

    Enable access by local enterprises to procurement and contracting opportunities across the project life-cycle, both directly and by encouraging larger contractors and suppliers, and also by supporting initiatives to enhance economic opportunities for local communities.

  • 9.3 – Conduct Local Stakeholder Engagement

    Conduct stakeholder engagement based upon an analysis of the local context and provide local stakeholders with access to appropriate and effective mechanisms for seeking resolution of grievances related to the company and its activities.

  • 9.4 – Collaborate on Artisanal Mining Challenges

    Collaborate with government, where appropriate, to support improvements in environmental and social practices of local artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

Supporting Global Goals

As momentum behind the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continues to grow, there is mounting pressure on the private sector to support the delivery of a wide variety of development objectives. ICMM’s Mining Principles can support the mining and metals industry in addressing climate change, ending poverty and tackling rising inequalities.

Each SDG connects with or can be directly influenced by ICMM’s Mining Principles. Unlike many other sectors, there is no primary point of connection between mining and a single SDG. Instead, operations have the extraordinary potential to contribute to several goals at once. The contribution mining products to almost every aspect of life is arguably becoming more important than ever – with metals and minerals enabling the innovations needed to deliver pathways to a greener, safer and more sustainable future.