Industry Associations
Who are They?
Industry associations include commodity-specific associations (for example, International Aluminium Institute) as well as sector-specific associations at national and international levels (such as the International Council on Mining and Metals).
Interests and Concerns
Industry associations are generally interested in a broad range of issues relating to a sector or specific commodity. For example, they may be advocates on key policy aspects relevant to the sector, which may be as diverse as environmental legislation, establishing common safety standards, through to promotion of leading practice such as community relations.
Dialogue
We are committed to proactive involvement in a number of initiatives that contribute to improving the sustainability of the mining industry. Our individual businesses are also actively engaged through their sectoral organisations at national and international levels.
Some of the principal industry associations we are involved in at the commodity level include:
Read more on our activities with:
International Council on Mining & Metals
We have continued to be active in the work program of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
The ICMM was established in 2001 as a global leadership body on sustainable development. ICMM members believe that the mining, minerals and metals industry acting collectively can best ensure continued access to land, capital and markets as well as build trust and respect by demonstrating the ability to contribute successfully to sustainable development. ICMM members offer strategic industry leadership towards achieving continuous improvements in sustainable development performance in the industry. ICMM provides a common platform for the industry to share challenges and responsibilities as well as to engage key constituencies on issues of common concern at the international level, based on the science and principles of sustainable development. ICMM's mission is underpinned by a commitment to good governance and transparent decision-making processes within the organisation.
The ICMM has made substantial progress during the year on a range of projects. Their commitment to report on the Ten Principles of the Sustainable Development Framework demonstrated sound leadership for the sector. This commitment has been supported by research work on the development of an independent assurance process. Their Draft Good Practice Guidance on Mining and Biodiversity and the Community Development Toolkit have been used by our sites in refining their approach to sustainability performance in 2006. In particular, as part of ICMM’s Resource Endowment Initiative, we participated in a major study to understand how large-scale mining activity can enhance the socio-economic development of host countries. View our Case Study on ICMM’s Report. View a summary of ICMM’s work program and achievements during 2005 here.
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
We have maintained our membership of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
The WBCSD is a coalition of 180 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development. The WBCSD has a global network of more than 50 national and regional business councils and partner organisations located in more than 35 countries. Its mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change towards sustainable development and to promote the role of eco-efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility.
For the fourth year running, we have been a participant in the WBCSD Young Managers Team. The Young Managers Team is a program designed to provide a learning experience and networking opportunity for approximately 20 young high-potential employees, interested in sustainable development and drawn from across a range of job functions, businesses and sectors.
The Young Managers Team 2006 includes participants from Japan, North and South Africa, South America, Australia and Europe and from a wide range of commercial sectors and functions. The focus of the program is to help move sustainability out of its specialist box into the mainstream by communicating beyond traditional boundaries.
We also participate in WBCSD projects relevant to our operations and sustainability challenges; for example, the Sustaining Ecosystems Initiative, a multi-sector leadership network of member companies collaborating on cross-cutting ecosystems issues and challenges outlined in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. The Initiative operates across the areas of ecosystems and ecosystem service stewardship, sustainable management and use, and impact mitigation.
