Collaborative Project Explores Feasibility of Certification of Mine Sites
18 Dec 2003
MELBOURNE: A multi-stakeholder working group has released its first discussion paper on a ground-breaking Australian research project that aims to evaluate the application of independent, third-party certification of environmental, social and economic performance to mine sites globally.
The Working Group includes participants from BHP Billiton, Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, CSIRO, Environment Australia, Minerals Council of Australia, Newmont, Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Oxfam Community Aid Abroad, Placer Dome, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Rio Tinto, SAM Sustainable Asset Management, University of Melbourne, WMC Resources and
WWF-Australia.
The project has developed a draft set of criteria against which the performance of mine sites could be evaluated. These criteria have been developed collaboratively to reflect interests from the minerals sector and a diverse range of its stakeholders. Wider stakeholder feedback is now being sought on whether the research outcomes have global relevance and practicality. The paper is available here
The Working Group's discussion paper outlines the potential benefits of mine-site certification, including independent assurance of social, environmental and economic performance, clear benchmarking, the potential to rationalise site auditing and improved reputation.
The discussion paper also acknowledges the potential risks in the development of a certification scheme. These include pressure to raise standards to unrealistic or unattainable levels and the creation of an overly complex program. The discussion paper proposes that the best way to deal with these risks and maximise the benefits would be to establish a global framework for mine-site certification that could be applied locally to reflect regional variations and expectations. This would allow for local stakeholders to have a say in determining the appropriate environmental and social standards for each mine site.
"The public needs credible assurance that good environmental, social and economic performance standards are being met and maintained by the mining industry. WWF believes independent, third party certification warrants investigation as a means of providing that assurance and complementing existing regulation," said Michael Rae, Senior Policy Officer Business and Industry, WWF-Australia.
"The companies participating in the study are committed to exploring mechanisms that assist in demonstrating that their mines are performing in accordance with operational excellence and attuned to stakeholder expectations," said Ian Wood, Vice President Sustainable Development, BHP Billiton.
This mining-focussed research project is the first of its kind in the world and it builds substantially on the International Council on Mining and Metals principles for sustainable development. Should the research demonstrate the applicability and business value of a mine site certification model, then a broader international dialogue would be needed to engender global support for a scheme that could result in independent certification of mine sites.
For media enquiries call:
- Andy Ridley, WWF Senior Manager Communications. Ph: +61 2 8202 1237,
0415 865 992 or aridley@wwf.org.au - Jacqueline McArthur, WWF Communications Officer. Ph: +61 2 8202 1242,
0408 626 780 or jmcarthur@wwf.org.au - MCEP Working Group participants: contact details on request
