Shared Water, Shared Responsibility, Shared Approach: Water in the Mining Sector
21 March 2017
IFC and ICMM have a common goal of improving mining’s contribution to sustainable development. We believe that the industry can be a partner for development. This publication draws on experience and literature to share the practical challenges, successes and lessons learnt from those companies and local partners who have worked across boundaries to tackle shared water risks and seize shared opportunities.
- Access to clean water is at the very core of sustainable development. As a water-dependent sector, mining and metals companies are well placed to support collective solutions to shared water challenges, contributing to improved water security and sanitation for all.
- Mining companies are already thinking more collaboratively. Engaging in meaningful partnerships with local communities, government and other industries to improve infrastructure, and achieve better water management throughout and beyond the catchment area. But so much more can be done.
- This paper uses company experiences from Mongolia, Peru, South Africa, Canada, and the Upper Hunter Valley and Fitzroy regions of Australia to identify key lessons learned. We encourage companies to use the lessons highlighted to better integrate collaboration into corporate and operational water strategies.