Responsible sourcing in the mining and metals industry

December 3, 2015 – The International Council on Mining and Minerals (ICMM) has published its first ever comprehensive guide on responsible sourcing for the mining and metals industry.

ICMM CEO Tom Butler said, “as society increasingly seeks to purchase goods that have been produced in socially and environmentally responsible ways, we felt it was important to develop guidance on what good practice looks like for our industry.”

Demonstrating value examines the context and drivers for responsible sourcing and provides practical guidance on approaches that companies can take to demonstrate that they are producing materials responsibly.

The guide builds on work undertaken by ICMM to ensure that common sustainable development challenges are considered not only at the mine or metal production facility but throughout the whole value chain.

This approach, termed materials stewardship, was built on the premise that companies have a shared responsibility for the materials that they produce.

“Responsible sourcing plays a vital role in reducing risks and raising standards along the entire value chain – it has evolved from a niche activity into a mainstream procurement strategy that’s embraced by forward-thinking business leaders in all sectors”

Demonstrating value focuses on the two complementary sides of the responsible sourcing debate – sustainable procurement and responsible supply.

The guide is organised around four themes that can be summarised as: mapping the value chain, developing programmes and standards; engaging with stakeholders and contributing to knowledge.

These topics are supported by case studies that illustrate how the approaches have been successfully applied to create business value and maximise the contribution of companies and materials.

“We hope that our guide will help strengthen our industry’s management of the environmental and social risks and opportunities of their operations, products and value chains,” said Mr Butler.

For further information please download: Demonstrating value: A guide to responsible sourcing.