Source:  www.ethicsworld.org

Download the Guidelines (PDF 380KB)

The GRI and the ICMM have been developing social responsibility reporting guidelines for the sector and are now seeking wide industry comments. The sector is constantly at the center of controversy when it comes to governance and social responsibility. The new draft guidelines are a supplement to currently used ones under the GRI.

The comment period opened on January 28 and will close on April 29, 2009. In light of changes in the reporting landscape (particularly the migration to the GRI G3 Guidelines which includes indicator protocols) and to incorporate practical lessons of reporting experience, GRI and ICMM said they decided to collaborate to progress the Mining & Metals Sector Supplement Pilot version to a Final version. The Supplement is being developed by a multi-stakeholder Working Group with industry and stakeholder representation from across the globe, including:

Ambatovy Nickel and Cobalt Project, Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Centre for Human Rights and Environment, European Nickel PLC, First Peoples Worldwide, Flora & fauna International, Goldman Sachs, International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), National Union of Mine Workers South Africa, Newmont Mining, Rio Tinto, Standardlife Investments, Teck Cominco, Vale and World Bank.

The Final version of the Sector Supplement is likely to be released in the second half of 2009.

The Mining & Metals Sector Supplement consists of exploration, feasibility, construction, mining and metal processing (including metal fabrication and recycling), and closure. In terms of Overreaching Policies and Management Systems, the Supplement calls for highlighting materials stewardship activities.  In addition, thirteen supplementary indicators, as well as commentary to the GRI guidelines, have been developed to address economic, environmental and social aspects of Mining & Metals companies.