Building Global Links
BHP Billiton progressively implemented or was involved in the following major externally developed voluntary initiatives (the date in brackets indicates the year we commenced our involvement):
Australian Minerals Industry Code for Environmental Management (1996), now 'Enduring Value' |
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) represents Australia’s exploration, mining and minerals processing industry, nationally and internationally, in its contribution to sustainable development and society. MCA member companies produce more than 85 per cent of Australia’s annual mineral output. Enduring Value - the Australian Minerals Industry Framework for Sustainable Development (formerly the Code), provides a framework for an ongoing program of continual improvement in environmental management. Read more. |
International Council on Mining and Metals Sustainable Development Framework (2003) |
ICMM’s industry and association membership has a vision to create “A viable mining, minerals and metals industry that is widely recognised as essential for modern living and a key contributor to sustainable development.” In May 2003, the ICMM Council of CEOs committed corporate members to implement and measure their performance against 10 sustainable development Principles. |
ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (2004) |
ISO 14001 is an international standard on environmental management. It provides a framework for the development of both the system and the supporting audit program. It applies to those environmental aspects over which the organisation has control and over which it can be expected to have an influence. Read more. |
Mining Certification Evaluation Project – Australian Regional Initiative (2002) |
The Mining Certification Evaluation Project (MCEP) was a three-year research project to investigate the feasibility of third-party certification of environmental and social performance of mine sites. As a research activity, it has not attempted to create a working certification scheme, but to establish a knowledge platform for broader international debate and future effort. These efforts have contributed to the development of the Responsible Mining Assurance Initiative. Read more. |
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (2001)
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On 10 December 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration provides a common standard for all peoples and all nations to promote the respect for human rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance. Read more. |
US-UK Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (2003)
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Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Norway, companies in the extractive and energy sectors (Companies), and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), all with an interest in human rights and corporate social responsibility, have engaged in a dialogue on security and human rights. The Voluntary Principles regarding security and human rights in the extractive sector fall into three categories; risk assessment, relations with public security, and relations with private security. Read more. |
World Bank Operational Directive on Involuntary Resettlement (2003)
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The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. The Bank consists of two development institutions owned by 184 member countries – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The Operational Directive on Involuntary Resettlement provides guidance in identifying, planning, implementing, and monitoring involuntary resettlement to minimise displacement and restore incomes. Read more. |
United Nations Millenium Development Goals (2000)
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The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was adopted by 189 nations and signed by 147 heads of state and governments during the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000. Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women Goal 4: Reduce child mortality Goal 5: Improve maternal health Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development Read more: About this Report>Millennium Development Goals Navigator |
We also collaborate with governments, NGOs and academic institutions worldwide to undertake and support research on improving sustainability performance. See below for further details on our activities with the following organisations:
- Responsible Mining Assurance Initiative
- Global Reporting Initiative
- UN Global Compact
- Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices
- Uranium Industry Framework Steering Group
- World Nuclear Association.
Responsible Mining Assurance Initiative
The Responsible Mining Assurance Initiative was established in 2006 by a group of mining companies, retailers, non-government organisations, and trade associations to further develop options for independent third-party assurance in the mining sector.
The Initiative builds on the outcomes of the Mining Certification Evaluation Project (MCEP) Report, released in January 2006. BHP Billiton was actively involved in the MCEP process to develop criteria and audit protocols for site-based social and environmental performance. The research and development exercise was led by the World Wide Fund for Nature with participation from a working group comprising representatives of mining companies, NGOs, trade unions, government agencies, financial and accounting organisations and research institutions.
The Initiative also follows in the spirit of a number of other mining-related initiatives including the Framework for Responsible Mining, the World Bank’s Extractive Industries Review, the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development Report, the Global Mining Initiative, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the ICMM Sustainable Development Principles, and the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices.
The Initiative will facilitate a process for the identification of responsible mining standards and a governance model for the assurance system. It is hoped that the initial standards and a system for governance will be established by July 2007.
Global Reporting Initiative
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a multi-stakeholder process developing and disseminating globally applicable sustainability reporting guidelines. GRI is an official collaborating centre of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and works in collaboration with the UN Global Compact.
BHP Billiton is an organisational stakeholder of the GRI and provides some limited funding to assist in the promotion of the organisation's objectives.
This year our Sustainability Report has been produce using the 2002 guidelines and elements of the draft 2006 update to the GRI Guidelines. We have also adopted the Mining and Metals Sector Supplement, which assists mining and metals companies to report effectively to key stakeholders by providing additional indicators of particular relevance to industry.
Reporting in accordance with the core GRI Guidelines and Mining and Minerals Sector Supplement is an evolving process, as our reporting systems continue to enhance the information reported. Due to the size and complexity of our business, judgments have had to be made regarding the extent of the information that can be presented in relation to each GRI indicator.
Read more: About this Report>GRI Navigator to see how and where the GRI Indicators have been addressed.
UN Global Compact
The UN Global Compact is an international initiative that brings together companies with UN agencies, labour organisations and civil society to support ten principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
Through the power of collective action, the Global Compact seeks to advance responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalisation. In this way, the private sector can help realise the vision of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan of a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.
Read more:
- About this Report>Global Compact Navigator for progress during 2006 against the Global Compact's ten principles
- Engaging Our Stakeholder>Our Stakeholders>Industry Associations for further details on our initiatives with the International Council on Mining and Metals and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices
The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP) was founded in May 2005 with Members from a cross section of the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail.
Council members are committed to promoting responsible business practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the industry from mine to retail. Their commitment aims to maintain consumer confidence in diamond and gold jewellery products and the trust of all interested stakeholders in their industry.
BHP Billiton was an original signatory to the Early Adopters Program initiated by stakeholders in the gold and diamond life cycle.
Read more: Environmental Case Study>Stewardship
Uranium Industry Framework Steering Group
The Uranium Industry Framework (UIF) is an Australian Government initiative to identify opportunities for and impediments to the sustainable development of the Australian uranium mining industry over the short, medium and longer term. The Framework is being developed in partnership with relevant State and Territory Governments, industry and other stakeholders.
The Framework will also contribute to raising public awareness of the location and extent of Australia’s uranium resources, how Australian uranium is used overseas, and what measures are in place to ensure uranium mining does not adversely impact on human health or the environment.
A high-level Steering Group oversees the development of the Framework and consists of an independent Chair and senior representatives from government, industry and other stakeholder organisations appointed by the Minister. As a member of the Steering Group, BHP Billiton encouraged the establishment of a Uranium Stewardship Working Group to support the work of the steering group.
Read more: Sustainability at BHP Billiton>Stewardship>Product Stewardship
World Nuclear Association
The World Nuclear Association (WNA) is the global organisation that seeks to promote the peaceful worldwide use of nuclear power as a sustainable energy resource for the coming centuries. Specifically, the WNA is concerned with nuclear power generation and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, including mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, plant manufacture, transport, and the safe disposition of spent fuel.
In April 2006, BHP Billiton presented the Australian UIF Stewardship Working Group Report to the WNA Sustainable Development and Climate Change Working Group Meeting. As a result of this presentation and BHP Billiton’s strong position that there was an opportunity for the WNA to take a lead role in developing a global Uranium Stewardship program that involved key stakeholders in each sector of the nuclear fuel cycle, the WNA Board agreed to establish a Uranium Stewardship Working Group within the WNA structure. BHP Billiton accepted the position of chairing this working group.
