Mining 4 - Mining – Coal 5 - Mining – Iron, Aluminum, Other Metals

Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know?

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May 2013 Page 1 of 95

This table shows a list of topics identified as relevant by different stakeholder groups. They can be considered as stakeholders’ suggestions or requests for topics to be monitored or disclosed by organizations.

Additional information about the project can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx

Mining

91 Common Topics

4 - Mining – Coal

1 Specific Topic

Companies engaged in the exploration and diversified production or extraction of coal mining including metallurgical (coking). Companies

primarily involved in the production and mining of coal. Includes bituminous (thermal) coal-mining companies.

5 - Mining – Iron, Aluminum, Other Metals 19 Specific Topics

Producers of iron ore mining and steel and related products. Producers of aluminum and related products, including companies that mine or

process bauxite and companies that recycle aluminum to produce finished or semi-finished products. Excludes companies that primarily produce

aluminum building materials classified as Building Products. Companies engaged in the diversified production or extraction of materials including

but not limited to nonferrous metals, salt and borate, and phosphate rock. Companies engaged in the diversified production or extraction of

metals and minerals not classified elsewhere.

https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx



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6 - Mining – Other (Rare Minerals, Precious Metals and Gems)

11 Specific Topics

Companies engaged in the exploration and production of gold and related products. Companies mining precious metals and minerals like

platinum, silver and other precious metals. Companies engaged in the exploration and production of rare minerals (e.g., uranium).

Sustainability Category

Topic Topic Specification (if available)

Explanation Reference(s)1 Constituency

Mining – Common Topics

Economic Payments to governments

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)

Report countries of operation that are either candidate to or compliant with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

210* Civil Society Organization

Taxes, revenue, royalties and bonuses

Disclosure of tax, royalty, fees and bonuses payments on a country-by-country and project-by-project basis. Many resource-rich countries fall among the lowest in global rankings of economic growth and have failed to turn revenues from resource extraction into lasting benefits. Transparency of resource revenues would enable citizens in developing countries to hold their governments to account for the use of this income for the public good. A growing number of jurisdictions have introduced, or are introducing, payment disclosure legislation for extractive industry companies including the United States and the European Union. Revenue transparency can help improve the business climate for companies and investors by fostering stable operating environments, informing investors’ risk

432, 454 Civil Society Organization


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assessments, favouring the best companies and deterring less scrupulous competitors. It enables companies to provide clear evidence of how they contribute to government revenues and communities. Responsible investors recognise that growing discontent with the impacts of extractive activities poses a threat to continued operation in many country contexts and that revenue transparency will help them better assess and reduce this risk when making investment decisions.

Achievements in the CSR goals settled in previous reporting period. Beside qualitative information numbers should be given too. Code of Ethics should be in place Impact on the environment: biosphere and socially impact ought to be illustrated. Labor Conduct Code? Payroll transparency is seldom given; we need it to evaluate the relation between the highest and the lowest pay Transparency for the taxes. What quantum of it have been paid to the local community, state/country of residence, etc. It reflects the "possible way" for mining companies to become a sustainable industry. A good skill for social responsible investments. It may have an impact on economic strategies especially in the emerging countries. More the reporting data of extractive industries is

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transparent, the greater/larger is the impact on investments and especially ethical investments. For ethical analysts this transparency widens the platform for more objectively assessment procedure. Most of them excludes the extractive sector by principle, but this sector exists and needs to be taken in the lively awareness of the investors. On the other hand investors may/ought to incite extractive companies to respect and implement CSR-Guidelines. Their role to play is somehow more important than governmental regulations and laws.

Local employment

In significant locations of operation, report proportion of the facility’s total workforce from the local community.


* strategies and measures to promote the involvement of local residents, including the evaluation of the approaches taken - information / consultation / participation mechanisms for regular exchange of information with local stakeholders - training and employment of local labour - taking into account social issues for local communities in mine closure plans Within a short space of time, mining projects create new centres of population with transport routes, power stations, industrial complexes and housing areas. Mining groups have a responsibility to implement these major changes in a way that fits in with the way of life and needs of local population groups and to inform residents about forthcoming activities and their possible impacts.

408 Financial Markets & Information Users


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Indirect economic impacts

Local community

SO1 - Nature, scope, and effectiveness of any programs and practices that assess and manage the impacts of operations on communities, including entering, operating, and exiting MM6 - Number and description of significant disputes relating to land use, customary rights of local communities and Indigenous People EC8 - Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services provided primarily for public benefit through commercial, inkind, or pro bono engagement S01 - It is important to have a measure that reflects the approach used by the organization to manage its impacts, both negative and positive, systematically across the range of communities in which it operates. MM6 - Extractive industries are highly dependent on stable access to land and natural resources. Land and related customary resources are of fundamental importance to local communities and Indigenous Peoples since they constitute the basis of their economic livelihood and are the source of their spiritual, cultural and social identity. Access to land and resources therefore often becomes a point of conflict between company facilities and local communities if management processes are not put in place to effectively assess and mange, if not prevent, the conflict. The number of recorded incidents relating to land and other related resources provides information about the

210* Financial Markets & Information Users


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implementation of an organization’s policies. This information will help indicate the state of relations with local stakeholder communities, particularly in regions where Indigenous People reside or have interests near operations of the reporting organization. EC8 - As well as generating and distributing economic value, an organization can affect an economy through its investments in infrastructure. The impacts of infrastructure investment can extend beyond the scope of the organization’s own business operations and over a longer timescale. This might include transport links, utilities, community social facilities, sports centers, health and welfare centers, etc. Along with investment in its own operations, this is one measure of an organization’s capital contribution to the economy.

Environmental Materials stewardship

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

The mining and metals industry is generally characterized by long and complex production chains employing a high volume of materials. This presents opportunities for improving efficiencies and sustainability throughout procurement, production, use, and disposal processes. It also implies a high level of responsibility for materials life cycles. Materials stewardship schemes are often consistent with the concepts and approaches of eco-efficiency and industrial ecology.


Energy efficiency of operations

Energy consumption and energy reduction

Reporting on GRI indicators EN2-EN7, EN16-EN23, MM3 as well as outcomes/results from energy management initiatives.

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Energy-intensive industries have environmental impacts and risks associated with it. Therefore there is a need to actively manage and improve energy-efficiency.

* climate protection strategy and measures - GHG emissions data - energy and GHG efficiency of metals production - measures to improve energy and GHG efficiency of metals production - use of secondary raw materials in the production The metals and mining industry is a significant consumer of fossil fuels and electrical energy. In view of the continuing rise in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and the associated impact on climate, mining companies therefore have a particular responsibility to take steps to reduce CO2 emissions. If nothing else, rising energy prices have prompted companies to take numerous measures to improve the energy efficiency of their processes. Large potential savings can also be generated by using secondary raw materials (scrap metal), the processing of which requires many times less energy than the use of primary raw materials (ores). On cost grounds alone, companies are favourably disposed toward energy-saving production processes and the processing of scrap metal. However, they frequently cite the lack of availability of scrap metal as a counter-argument to further increasing the proportion of secondary raw materials in their production. For the

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industry to develop sustainably, the individual players need in future to focus more on using renewable energy sources such as, in particular, the sun, wind and biomass and to develop measures to promote the extensive recovery and use of secondary raw materials.

Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- EC2-EN7, EN16-EN23, MM3 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

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EC2 EN7 EN16, EN17, EN18, EN19, EN20, EN21, EN22, EN23 MM3 It is a material cost to our business and an opportunity to be able to reduce our consumption as well as our carbon footprint.


Energy-efficient process design

* climate protection strategy and measures - GHG emissions data - energy and GHG efficiency of metals production - measures to improve energy and GHG efficiency of metals production - use of secondary raw materials in the production The metals and mining industry is a significant consumer of fossil fuels and electrical energy. In view of the continuing rise in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and the associated impact on climate,



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mining companies therefore have a particular responsibility to take steps to reduce CO2 emissions. If nothing else, rising energy prices have prompted companies to take numerous measures to improve the energy efficiency of their processes. Large potential savings can also be generated by using secondary raw materials (scrap metal), the processing of which requires many times less energy than the use of primary raw materials (ores). On cost grounds alone, companies are favourably disposed toward energy-saving production processes and the processing of scrap metal. However, they frequently cite the lack of availability of scrap metal as a counter-argument to further increasing the proportion of secondary raw materials in their production. For the industry to develop sustainably, the individual players need in future to focus more on using renewable energy sources such as, in particular, the sun, wind and biomass and to develop measures to promote the extensive recovery and use of secondary raw materials.

Mineral and metal extraction industry

Types and amount of energy used to extract metal. The resource extraction industry, which includes mining for minerals and metals, is recognised as a major energy user and accordingly a significant emitter of greenhouse gases.

341 Business

Water management

Recycled water and fresh water use

Percentage of recycled water used in processes; percentage of freshwater used in processes; percentage of water discharged and to which locations; quality of

289, 292 Business


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water used for productions and recycled. A case study of Alcoa's Fusina facility's installation of a closed-loop system for their process water illustrates the following eco-efficiency benefits: achieved company's 2020 framework target of zero process emissions 13 years ahead of time; direct impact on water consumption and discharge to local community; long-term savings in costs; reduction in the amount of sand used in system, which reduces amount of cleaning and number of filter changes thus decreasing the cost of operation.

EN8 Total water withdrawal by source EN9 Water sources significantly affected by withdrawal of water EN10 Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused EN8 - Reporting the total volume of water withdrawn by source contributes to an understanding of the overall scale of potential impacts and risks associated with the reporting organization’s water use. The total volume withdrawn provides an indication of the organization’s relative size and importance as a user of water, and provides a baseline figure for other calculations relating to efficiency and use. The systematic effort to monitor and improve the efficient use of water in the reporting organization is directly linked to water consumption costs. Total water use can also indicate the level of risk posed by disruptions to water supplies or increases in the cost of water. Clean freshwater is becoming



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increasingly scarce, and can impact production processes that rely on large volumes of water. In regions where water sources are highly restricted, the organization’s water consumption patterns can also influence relations with other stakeholders. EN9- Withdrawals from a water system can affect the environment by lowering the water table, reducing volume of water available for use, or otherwise altering the ability of an ecosystem to perform its functions. Such changes have wider impacts on the quality of life in the area, including economic consequences. This Indicator measures the scale of impacts associated with the organization’s water use. In terms of relations with other users of the same water sources, this Indicator also enables an assessment of specific areas of risk or improvement, as well as the stability of the organization’s own water sources. EN10 - The rate of water reuse and recycling can be a measure of efficiency and can demonstrate the success of the organization in reducing total water withdrawals and discharges. Increased reuse and recycling can result in a reduction of water consumption, treatment, and disposal costs. The reduction of water consumption through reuse and recycling can also contribute to local, national, or regional goals for managing water supplies.

Water withdrawal

Water consumption and impacts on

EN8-EN10, EN21 Identification of the total volume of water withdrawn from any water source that was either withdrawn

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fresh water sources

directly by the reporting organization or through intermediaries such as water utilities. Water is essential for all aspects of our business and requires focus on addressing water-related material risks. Reporting the total volume of water withdrawn by source contributes to an understanding of the overall scale of potential impacts and risks associated with water use.

Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- EN8-EN10, EN21 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

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Mining has the potential to affect water resources in a number of ways: Depletion of sources as water is used in the mining process, some mining operations extract ore from below the water table, which entails pumping groundwater to dewater the mine, a process that can affect aquifers, smelting and refining often rely on significant amounts of hydroelectryc energy (particularly in the aluminium sector), which can affect the availability of withdrawals, among others


EN8 Total water withdrawal by source EN9 Water sources significantly affected by withdrawal of water EN10 Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused EN8 - Reporting the total volume of water withdrawn by



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source contributes to an understanding of the overall scale of potential impacts and risks associated with the reporting organization’s water use. The total volume withdrawn provides an indication of the organization’s relative size and importance as a user of water, and provides a baseline figure for other calculations relating to efficiency and use. The systematic effort to monitor and improve the efficient use of water in the reporting organization is directly linked to water consumption costs. Total water use can also indicate the level of risk posed by disruptions to water supplies or increases in the cost of water. Clean freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce, and can impact production processes that rely on large volumes of water. In regions where water sources are highly restricted, the organization’s water consumption patterns can also influence relations with other stakeholders. EN9- Withdrawals from a water system can affect the environment by lowering the water table, reducing volume of water available for use, or otherwise altering the ability of an ecosystem to perform its functions. Such changes have wider impacts on the quality of life in the area, including economic consequences. This Indicator measures the scale of impacts associated with the organization’s water use. In terms of relations with other users of the same water sources, this Indicator also enables an assessment of specific areas of risk or improvement, as well as the stability of the organization’s own water sources.


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EN10 - The rate of water reuse and recycling can be a measure of efficiency and can demonstrate the success of the organization in reducing total water withdrawals and discharges. Increased reuse and recycling can result in a reduction of water consumption, treatment, and disposal costs. The reduction of water consumption through reuse and recycling can also contribute to local, national, or regional goals for managing water supplies.

KPI 14 Water Abstraction Definition Water is an essential resource that is required for a healthy environment and is used in the production and provision of numerous goods and services, such as electricity. In the UK approximately a third of drinking water is abstracted from groundwater, whilst the remainder comes from surface water. Abstraction of water can have significant local, or more widespread, impacts on the environment. The threat of climate change, resulting in severe droughts, floods and storms, also constitutes a challenge for water resources management. Countries around the world are aware of the need to use water resources more efficiently and reduce waste in order to ensure availability of the resource in the long term. To achieve this goal various market and financial instruments have been put in place, such as abstraction charges, effluent consents and pricing mechanisms. Processes



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Water can be abstracted for public water supply to produce drinking water following treatment. It can also be abstracted directly for use by businesses for a wide variety of uses including irrigation and for industrial processes (e.g. coolant, carrier or solvent purposes). Sectors Water is abstracted by various companies including water and sewerage companies, industrial and chemical companies, and power companies. Many sectors rely heavily on supplied water, although this impact should be reported as a supply chain impact and not a direct KPI. For more information please refer to Figure 4 and to the section on supply chains (Section 4.5). Calculation or measurement procedures For abstracted water, the majority of charges are levied according to the licensed volume, but actual volumes abstracted are reported to the Environment Agency. It is the actual volumes abstracted that should be measured. Reporting guidance The table overleaf illustrates the scope of measures that should be reported. In most cases reporting will be much simpler, as most companies focus on a specific type of abstraction. The most appropriate way of reporting abstracted water should be in cubic metres. If an estimation method has been used this should also be reported. Compliance with any abstraction consents,


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such as those provided by the Environment Agency in the UK, should also be reported. Companies should also discuss whether water has been re-used or returned to source (e.g. cooling water). Direct abstraction should be reported as the volume taken, not the licensed volume. Water use It is important to distinguish water abstraction from the use of supplied water. The environmental impacts associated with supplied water use are indirect and more guidance on how these can be reported can be found in section 4.5 – Supply Chains.

Water (in m3) used per amount (e.g. in tonnes) of product manufactured Groundwater consumption in m3 Waster effluent water in cubic meters


Water consumption and management in water scarce areas

EN8 Total water withdrawal by source EN9 Water sources significantly affected by withdrawal of water EN10 Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused EN8 - Reporting the total volume of water withdrawn by source contributes to an understanding of the overall scale of potential impacts and risks associated with the reporting organization’s water use. The total volume withdrawn provides an indication of the organization’s relative size and importance as a user of water, and provides a baseline figure for other calculations relating



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to efficiency and use. The systematic effort to monitor and improve the efficient use of water in the reporting organization is directly linked to water consumption costs. Total water use can also indicate the level of risk posed by disruptions to water supplies or increases in the cost of water. Clean freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce, and can impact production processes that rely on large volumes of water. In regions where water sources are highly restricted, the organization’s water consumption patterns can also influence relations with other stakeholders. EN9- Withdrawals from a water system can affect the environment by lowering the water table, reducing volume of water available for use, or otherwise altering the ability of an ecosystem to perform its functions. Such changes have wider impacts on the quality of life in the area, including economic consequences. This Indicator measures the scale of impacts associated with the organization’s water use. In terms of relations with other users of the same water sources, this Indicator also enables an assessment of specific areas of risk or improvement, as well as the stability of the organization’s own water sources. EN10 - The rate of water reuse and recycling can be a measure of efficiency and can demonstrate the success of the organization in reducing total water withdrawals and discharges. Increased reuse and recycling can result in a reduction of water consumption, treatment, and


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disposal costs. The reduction of water consumption through reuse and recycling can also contribute to local, national, or regional goals for managing water supplies.

Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- EN8-EN10, EN21 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

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KPI 14 Water Abstraction Definition Water is an essential resource that is required for a healthy environment and is used in the production and provision of numerous goods and services, such as electricity. In the UK approximately a third of drinking water is abstracted from groundwater, whilst the remainder comes from surface water. Abstraction of water can have significant local, or more widespread, impacts on the environment. The threat of climate change, resulting in severe droughts, floods and storms, also constitutes a challenge for water resources management. Countries around the world are aware of the need to use water resources more efficiently and reduce waste in order to ensure availability of the resource in the long term. To achieve this goal various market and financial instruments have been put in place, such as abstraction charges, effluent consents and pricing mechanisms.



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Processes Water can be abstracted for public water supply to produce drinking water following treatment. It can also be abstracted directly for use by businesses for a wide variety of uses including irrigation and for industrial processes (e.g. coolant, carrier or solvent purposes). Sectors Water is abstracted by various companies including water and sewerage companies, industrial and chemical companies, and power companies. Many sectors rely heavily on supplied water, although this impact should be reported as a supply chain impact and not a direct KPI. For more information please refer to Figure 4 and to the section on supply chains (Section 4.5). Calculation or measurement procedures For abstracted water, the majority of charges are levied according to the licensed volume, but actual volumes abstracted are reported to the Environment Agency. It is the actual volumes abstracted that should be measured. Reporting guidance The table overleaf illustrates the scope of measures that should be reported. In most cases reporting will be much simpler, as most companies focus on a specific type of abstraction. The most appropriate way of reporting abstracted water should be in cubic metres. If an estimation method has been used this should also


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be reported. Compliance with any abstraction consents, such as those provided by the Environment Agency in the UK, should also be reported. Companies should also discuss whether water has been re-used or returned to source (e.g. cooling water). Direct abstraction should be reported as the volume taken, not the licensed volume. Water use It is important to distinguish water abstraction from the use of supplied water. The environmental impacts associated with supplied water use are indirect and more guidance on how these can be reported can be found in section 4.5 – Supply Chains.

Water (in m3) used per amount (e.g. in tonnes) of product manufactured Groundwater consumption in m3 Waster effluent water in cubic meters


Biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) impact management

Biodiversity offsets

Biodiversity offsets have been used as part of the overall policy and approach to habitat protection and restoration. Report whether and how biodiversity offsets have been used as part of the overall policy and approach to habitat protection and restoration


Community resettlement

1. Rate and magnitude of influx i.e. annual population growth rate and absolute increase in population 2. Biodiversity Metrics of the area where in-migrants are settling down e.g. species richness, species abundance, species evenness (although biodiversity exists at three different levels - genes, species and ecosystems, species is the most popular and practical unit of management)

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3. Amount of land used by in-migrants for housing, cultivation and grazing i.e. extent of land cover and land use change 4. Magnitude of biodiversity resources exploited by in-migrants including bush meat, fish, fruits, medicinal plants, firewood, small timber etc. 5. Point-specific impacts caused by improper disposal of solid waste and depletion of water resources 6. Impact of human-wildlife conflict e.g. revenge killings of mega fauna, road kills caused by traffic 7. Approaches adopted by the organization to minimize in-migration and to manage its impacts e.g. spatial planning, administration and resource allocation, planning access routes, access control, use of buffer zones etc. 8. Results of the in-migration management strategy The biodiversity impact of project-induced in-migration represents an important environmental impact of a mining company. The biodiversity loss caused by in-migration can be a potential risk for the organization as it can adversely affect the resource availability to the local community - an important stakeholder. The loss of biodiversity especially the loss of endangered and/or endemic species can substantively influence the assessment and decisions of local, national and international NGOs (watchdogs, advocacy groups, community groups) working in the domain of biodiversity - another important stakeholder for the organization. Loss of biodiversity will also be an


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important consideration for other stakeholders like the media and the regulators. A project's impact on biodiversity is compounded by the impact caused by in-migration. In fact, the impact of in-migration can be more widespread, diffused and long-lasting with migrants settling down permanently in the area. In addition to loss of biodiversity due to direct exploitation, in-migration impacts biodiversity through habitat degradation or loss.

Mining operations have the potential to impact biodiversity in various ways and to various degrees depending on the location of the operation, and the sensitivity and value of the area. These interactions and the resultant opportunities and risks need to be assessed and effectively managed. The number and percentage of total sites identified as requiring biodiversity management plans according to stated criteria, and the number (percentage) of those sites with plans in place. Environmental and social aspects are inter-linked, and environmental consequences may be linked to community resettlement arising from the opening of mining operations, or arising from mine closure. During resettlement, the relationship between communities and local biodiversity may be altered, and new impacts on biodiversity may be introduced. Reporting the actions that mining companies take to reduce the negative impacts on communities, and the communities’ impacts on biodiversity, will shed light on these issues. Where possible, include descriptions of the impact (gain or loss)



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on sustainable land use.

The mining and metals sector has potentially complex relationships with the environment, sometimes extending over large areas, requiring a careful assessment of the potential for direct environmental impact. Indirectly, the relationship between mining operations and local communities can also result in changes to the way in which those communities interact with and impact upon the natural environment. For those reasons, disclosures on biodiversity strategies are most informative when they are set within a broad context which addresses how the operations relate to biodiversity and the functioning of the local ecosystems, including the services that they provide to communities and to mining operations. Disclosures on the approach to biodiversity management should include consideration of ecosystems services and associated values.


Disclosures on the approach to biodiversity management should include consideration of ecosystems services and associated values / The number and percentage of total sites identified as requiring biodiversity management plans according to stated criteria, and the number (percentage) of those sites with plans in place. Data on the number of sites requiring BMPs will indicate the extent to which the company is managing associated risks and opportunities. The degree of coverage of such sites with active BMPs will indicate the company’s progress in protecting and enhancing functioning eco-systems



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Disturbed and rehabilitated land

Extraction sites, infrastructure, or other production activities

Mining companies can own or hold licenses over very large areas of land. Often, the extraction sites, infrastructure, or other production activities may disturb a small proportion of that land holding. The impact on habitats and biodiversity is therefore more accurately assessed against the amount of land disturbed, and by the amount of land returned to beneficial use.


Measures taken to avoid land disturbance, which might be a by-product of cutting new haul roads, mine portal or surface mine development. Mine sites can lead to potential degradation of sensitive areas, such as archeological, cultural, aquatic, terrestrial sites, or threatened and endangered species.


Emissions to air Fire breakouts Extraction and transport are known to produce carcinogens, fires which break out in disused mines generate toxic smoke and old mines sometimes leak highly acidic water.

479 Business

Emissions to air 1. Greenhouse Gases 2. Acid Rain, Eutrophication and Smog Precursors 3. Dust and Particles 4. Ozone Depleting Substances 5. Volatile Organic Compounds 6. Metal emissions to air


Total CO2, NOx, SOx, VOC emissions in million tonnes


Emissions to air - Mining and Particulate material (PM) and gaseous emissions are 542 Mediating


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Fugitive emissions

processing emitted during mining, beneficiation, and mineral processing (refer to Chapter 2 for details about mining processes and associated waste). Gaseous emissions are generated by process operations, primarily those using heat to treat or convert ores or concentrates (e.g., roasting or smelting). Generally, particulate releases are flue dusts (e.g. from sinter, roaster, smelter, or refinery stacks) or fugitive dust (e.g. from crushers, tailings ponds, road use). Air emissions cause discomfort, disease, or death to humans, damage other living organisms such as food crops, or damage the natural environment or built environment.

Institution

The management of fugitive emissions such as dust from mining and processing activities or noise and seismic impacts from explosives use through, for example, monitoring activities and compliance with regulatory limits. (DMA)


Dust and Particles Volatile Organic Compounds


Emissions to air - GHG emissions

Management and reduction strategies

Measures taken to reduce carbon dioxide discharge. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and contributes to climate change. It is therefore important to reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate climate change.

297, 476 Business

As per GRI Indicators EN16 - EN20 Greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause of climate

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change. Tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions can improve the overall life cycle performance of products and services, and serve as part of a comprehensive design-for-environment program.

Emissions to air - GHG emissions and other emissions

GHG, heavy metals, dioxins and furans in steel production

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, a reduction of airborne emissions of heavy metals, dioxins and furans, as well as recycling and reuse of waste, will feature prominently on companies’ future agendas. The consolidation seen in the steel sector over the last few years is likely to continue into the future.


Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- EC2-EN7, EN16-EN23, MM3 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

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Acid drainage Acid rock drainage (ARD) or acid mine drainage (AMD) management

Measures taken to avoid acid drainage generation. Acid drainage, commonly referred to as acid rock drainage (ARD) or acid mine drainage (AMD), may be generated from mine waste rock or tailings (i.e., ARD) or mine structures, such as pits and underground workings (i.e., AMD). Acid is generated at mine sites when metal sulfide minerals are oxidized and sufficient water is present to mobilize the sulfur ion. Metal sulfide minerals are common constituents in the host rock associated with metal mining activity. The potential for a mine or its associated waste to generate acid and release contaminants depends on many factors and is site-specific. These site-specific



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factors can be categorized as generation factors, control factors, and physical factors. The increased acidity caused by acid mine drainage has a range of negative effects depending on the severity of the pH change. Many river systems and former mine sites are totally inhospitable to aquatic life, with the exception of "extremophile" bacteria. Additionally, heightened acidity reduces the ability of streams to buffer against further chemical changes. As with all acid mine drainage sites, the rocks will remain capable of generating sulfuric acid for an unknown number of years, perhaps throughout the entire future human habitation of the region.

Mining waste management

Overburden, waste rock, tailings, sludge - Risks, storage and disposal

* land use planning: geologic risk assessments and guidelines on biodiversity - mining and ore processing: methods applied and impact on the environment - tailings storage and disposal: guidelines, management systems, monitoring - mine closure and reclamation: guidelines, management systems, mine closure plans, monitoring of closed sites - measures to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) - controversies on environmental issues related to the company's activities Besides land and water consumption, deforestation and pollution of the air with greenhouse gases, dust and sulphur dioxide, the greatest threat posed to the environment by mining is the disposal of waste rock and



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tailings, some of which are highly toxic. Riverine or marine tailings disposal, the practice of disposing of untreated tailings containing heavy metals, toxins and acids into rivers or coastal waters, which is still in use in some places, has disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, and thus also for local drinking water supplies and fisheries. In particular, the chemical treatment of ores, for example the treatment of gold using cyanide, necessitates careful selection of the method of disposal and scrupulous monitoring of deposited residues. However, the waste rock itself also conceals risks: when layers of rock which from underground anoxic deposits come into contact with oxygenrich air and rainwater, they form large amounts of acid. These lead to acidification of soils and water and may mobilise toxic heavy metals. While some companies usually take good precautionary measures at new projects, there are various old plants and contaminated sites which pose severe threats to the environment: companies sometimes buy themselves out of responsibility for these by selling them or transferring ownership.

Total amounts of overburden, rock, tailings, and sludges and their associated risks. Processes to assess and manage risks associated with overburden, waste rock, tailings, sludges and other residues (for example, structural stability of storage facilities, metal leaching potential, and hazardous properties). Approaches taken to minimize waste and its potential environmental



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impacts. Data on waste generation figures over several years can indicate the level of progress the organization has made toward waste reduction efforts. It can also indicate potential improvements in process efficiency and productivity. From a financial perspective, the reduction of waste contributes directly to lower costs for materials, processing, and disposal. / The mining sector deals with large quantities of material as a result of its extractive activities. Nonproduct materials (overburden) have to be removed to give access to product-bearing material (ores), which are processed, physically or chemically, to release them from their matrix and convert them into output products. Waste material can be generated at any or all of these stages, whether it be overburden, waste rock or processing tailings, slags, sludges, slimes or other process residues. These residues may be disposed of in a variety of different ways: in pits or underground; on site in engineered facilities; or off site.

Soil pollution Acid drainage from mine waste rock, tailings or mine structures

* land use planning: geologic risk assessments and guidelines on biodiversity - mining and ore processing: methods applied and impact on the environment - tailings storage and disposal: guidelines, management systems, monitoring - mine closure and reclamation: guidelines, management systems, mine closure plans, monitoring of closed sites - measures to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) - controversies on environmental issues related to the company's activities



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Besides land and water consumption, deforestation and pollution of the air with greenhouse gases, dust and sulphur dioxide, the greatest threat posed to the environment by mining is the disposal of waste rock and tailings, some of which are highly toxic. Riverine or marine tailings disposal, the practice of disposing of untreated tailings containing heavy metals, toxins and acids into rivers or coastal waters, which is still in use in some places, has disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, and thus also for local drinking water supplies and fisheries. In particular, the chemical treatment of ores, for example the treatment of gold using cyanide, necessitates careful selection of the method of disposal and scrupulous monitoring of deposited residues. However, the waste rock itself also conceals risks: when layers of rock which from underground anoxic deposits come into contact with oxygenrich air and rainwater, they form large amounts of acid. These lead to acidification of soils and water and may mobilise toxic heavy metals. While some companies usually take good precautionary measures at new projects, there are various old plants and contaminated sites which pose severe threats to the environment: companies sometimes buy themselves out of responsibility for these by selling them or transferring ownership.

Measures taken to avoid acid drainage generation.



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Acid drainage, commonly referred to as acid rock drainage (ARD) or acid mine drainage (AMD), may be generated from mine waste rock or tailings (i.e., ARD) or mine structures, such as pits and underground workings (i.e., AMD). Acid is generated at mine sites when metal sulfide minerals are oxidized and sufficient water is present to mobilize the sulfur ion. Metal sulfide minerals are common constituents in the host rock associated with metal mining activity. The potential for a mine or its associated waste to generate acid and release contaminants depends on many factors and is site-specific. These site-specific factors can be categorized as generation factors, control factors, and physical factors. The increased acidity caused by acid mine drainage has a range of negative effects depending on the severity of the pH change. Many river systems and former mine sites are totally inhospitable to aquatic life, with the exception of "extremophile" bacteria. Additionally, heightened acidity reduces the ability of streams to buffer against further chemical changes. As with all acid mine drainage sites, the rocks will remain capable of generating sulfuric acid for an unknown number of years, perhaps throughout the entire future human habitation of the region.

Spills Spillage of tailings, slime, or other significant

Include spillage of tailings, slimes, or other significant process materials. Report follow-up to incidents including a description of actions taken to reduce number and seriousness of spills, even at a level before



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process materials

emergency procedures are required.

Waste management

Mining and mineral processing

Frequency and level of risks associated with system failures in the treatment of waste and wastewater. Failures include rupture and collapse of major infrastructure (dam, retaining wall), leakages, wind and water erosion, chemical and acidic drainage, and contaminated releases to groundwater. Involves compliance with legal design requirements and engagement in formal inspections and routine site assessments. The environmental risks of managing wastes from mining and mineral processing can have costly consequences to corporate reputations, business assets, insurance claims and future policies, and shareholder value. Threatening human life and the environment, mine waste failures have repeatedly occurred. As WSP Environment & Energy argues, these risks can be reduced and in some cases eliminated if prudent planning, design, operations and transfer agreements are put in place. For instance, huge quantities of water are used to transport the wastes/by-products to treatment facilities, where the water is recycled, discharged, and trapped within the waste matrix. If the system is properly designed, the management of water poses no significant risk.

356 Business

Tailings dams Tailing dams are more than 10 times more likely to fail than conventional hydro or irrigation dams, and potentially more dangerous because of the toxic

368 Financial Markets & Information


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substances they contain. Every year between two and five of the more than 3.500 tailing dams in the world experience major failures

Users

Water pollution Acid drainage from mine waste rock, tailings or mine structures

Measures taken to avoid acid drainage generation. Acid drainage, commonly referred to as acid rock drainage (ARD) or acid mine drainage (AMD), may be generated from mine waste rock or tailings (i.e., ARD) or mine structures, such as pits and underground workings (i.e., AMD). Acid is generated at mine sites when metal sulfide minerals are oxidized and sufficient water is present to mobilize the sulfur ion. Metal sulfide minerals are common constituents in the host rock associated with metal mining activity. The potential for a mine or its associated waste to generate acid and release contaminants depends on many factors and is site-specific. These site-specific factors can be categorized as generation factors, control factors, and physical factors. The increased acidity caused by acid mine drainage has a range of negative effects depending on the severity of the pH change. Many river systems and former mine sites are totally inhospitable to aquatic life, with the exception of "extremophile" bacteria. Additionally, heightened acidity reduces the ability of streams to buffer against further chemical changes. As with all acid mine drainage sites, the rocks will remain capable of generating sulfuric acid for an unknown number of



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years, perhaps throughout the entire future human habitation of the region.

* land use planning: geologic risk assessments and guidelines on biodiversity - mining and ore processing: methods applied and impact on the environment - tailings storage and disposal: guidelines, management systems, monitoring - mine closure and reclamation: guidelines, management systems, mine closure plans, monitoring of closed sites - measures to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) - controversies on environmental issues related to the company's activities Besides land and water consumption, deforestation and pollution of the air with greenhouse gases, dust and sulphur dioxide, the greatest threat posed to the environment by mining is the disposal of waste rock and tailings, some of which are highly toxic. Riverine or marine tailings disposal, the practice of disposing of untreated tailings containing heavy metals, toxins and acids into rivers or coastal waters, which is still in use in some places, has disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, and thus also for local drinking water supplies and fisheries. In particular, the chemical treatment of ores, for example the treatment of gold using cyanide, necessitates careful selection of the method of disposal and scrupulous monitoring of deposited residues. However, the waste rock itself also conceals risks: when layers of rock which from



MINING





underground anoxic deposits come into contact with oxygenrich air and rainwater, they form large amounts of acid. These lead to acidification of soils and water and may mobilise toxic heavy metals. While some companies usually take good precautionary measures at new projects, there are various old plants and contaminated sites which pose severe threats to the environment: companies sometimes buy themselves out of responsibility for these by selling them or transferring ownership.

Contaminated drainage water

Mining activities have long been known to cause significant water quality impacts. Mining and drilling for fossil fuels bring to the surface materials long buried in the earth, including water. They also tend to generate large quantities of waste materials or byproducts relative to the target resource, creating large-scale waste disposal challenges. Additionally, surface water may drain into mine openings, and groundwater frequently accumulates in mines. Mine drainage waters can be extremely polluted by salts in the groundwater itself; metals such as lead, copper, arsenic, and zinc present in the source rock; sulfur compounds leached from rock; and mercury or other materials used in extraction and processing. The pH of these drainage waters can be dramatically altered. Some mine drainage is extremely acidic, with a pH of 2-3; other source materials can lead to very alkaline discharges. These contaminated drainage waters can devastate local waterways, eliminating fish and rendering streams unfit for human



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use

Dissolved pollutants at mine site (e.g. Metals, sulfates, nitrates, and radionuclides)

Measures taken to avoid contamination of ground and surface water. Primary sources of dissolved pollutants from metal mining operations include underground and surface mine workings, overburden and waste rock piles, tailings piles and impoundments, direct discharges from conventional milling/beneficiation operations, leach piles and processing facilities, chemical storage areas (runoff and spills), and reclamation activities. Discharges of process water, mine water, storm and snowmelt runoff, and seepage are the primary transport mechanisms to surface water and ground water. Dissolved pollutants at a mine site are primarily metals but may include sulfates, nitrates, and radionuclides; these contaminants, once dissolved, can migrate from mining operations to local ground and surface water (contamination of surface water may also occur as contaminated soil or waste materials are eroded and washed into water bodies). Mining operations can affect ground water quality in several ways. The most obvious occurs in mining below the water table, either in underground workings or open pits. This provides a direct conduit to aquifers. Ground water quality is also affected when waters (natural or process waters or wastewaters) infiltrate through surface materials (including overlying wastes or other



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material) into ground water. Contamination can also occur when there is an hydraulic connection between surface and ground water. Any of these can cause elevated pollutant levels in ground water. Further, disturbance in the ground water flow regime may affect the quantities of water available for other local uses. In addition, contaminated ground water may discharge to surface water down gradient of the mine, as contributions to base flow in a stream channel or springs.

Mining and drilling for fossil fuels

Mining activities have long been known to cause significant water quality impacts. Mining and drilling for fossil fuels bring to the surface materials long buried in the earth, including water. They also tend to generate large quantities of waste materials or byproducts relative to the target resource, creating large-scale waste disposal challenges. Additionally, surface water may drain into mine openings, and groundwater frequently accumulates in mines. Mine drainage waters can be extremely polluted by salts in the groundwater itself; metals such as lead, copper, arsenic, and zinc present in the source rock; sulfur compounds leached from rock; and mercury or other materials used in extraction and processing. The pH of these drainage waters can be dramatically altered. Some mine drainage is extremely acidic, with a pH of 2-3; other source materials can lead to very alkaline discharges. These contaminated drainage waters can devastate local waterways, eliminating fish and rendering streams unfit for human use



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Mining and processing

* land use planning: geologic risk assessments and guidelines on biodiversity - mining and ore processing: methods applied and impact on the environment - tailings storage and disposal: guidelines, management systems, monitoring - mine closure and reclamation: guidelines, management systems, mine closure plans, monitoring of closed sites - measures to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) - controversies on environmental issues related to the company's activities Besides land and water consumption, deforestation and pollution of the air with greenhouse gases, dust and sulphur dioxide, the greatest threat posed to the environment by mining is the disposal of waste rock and tailings, some of which are highly toxic. Riverine or marine tailings disposal, the practice of disposing of untreated tailings containing heavy metals, toxins and acids into rivers or coastal waters, which is still in use in some places, has disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, and thus also for local drinking water supplies and fisheries. In particular, the chemical treatment of ores, for example the treatment of gold using cyanide, necessitates careful selection of the method of disposal and scrupulous monitoring of deposited residues. However, the waste rock itself also conceals risks: when layers of rock which from underground anoxic deposits come into contact with oxygenrich air and rainwater, they form large amounts



MINING





of acid. These lead to acidification of soils and water and may mobilise toxic heavy metals. While some companies usually take good precautionary measures at new projects, there are various old plants and contaminated sites which pose severe threats to the environment: companies sometimes buy themselves out of responsibility for these by selling them or transferring ownership.

Tailings and acid drainage

Extraction and transport are known to produce carcinogens, fires which break out in disused mines generate toxic smoke and old mines sometimes leak highly acidic water.

479 Business

Tailings and drainage can impact surface water and groundwater


Emissions to water Components of emissions to water by environmental importance (according to TRI; PRTR; and EPER)


Chemicals management

Sourcing, transport, storage, use, production and management of chemicals and their environmental risks through their life cycles. Effective chemicals management remains essential to the achievement of sustainable development in the mining and metals industry. Current activities in the sector have provided structures and expertise to ensure that risk management processes are shared, implemented, optimized and made sustainable.

75, 291 Business

Land use Geological risk * land use planning: geologic risk assessments and 408 Financial


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assessments guidelines on biodiversity - mining and ore processing: methods applied and impact on the environment - tailings storage and disposal: guidelines, management systems, monitoring - mine closure and reclamation: guidelines, management systems, mine closure plans, monitoring of closed sites - measures to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) - controversies on environmental issues related to the company's activities Besides land and water consumption, deforestation and pollution of the air with greenhouse gases, dust and sulphur dioxide, the greatest threat posed to the environment by mining is the disposal of waste rock and tailings, some of which are highly toxic. Riverine or marine tailings disposal, the practice of disposing of untreated tailings containing heavy metals, toxins and acids into rivers or coastal waters, which is still in use in some places, has disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, and thus also for local drinking water supplies and fisheries. In particular, the chemical treatment of ores, for example the treatment of gold using cyanide, necessitates careful selection of the method of disposal and scrupulous monitoring of deposited residues. However, the waste rock itself also conceals risks: when layers of rock which from underground anoxic deposits come into contact with oxygenrich air and rainwater, they form large amounts of acid. These lead to acidification of soils and water and

Markets & Information Users


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may mobilise toxic heavy metals. While some companies usually take good precautionary measures at new projects, there are various old plants and contaminated sites which pose severe threats to the environment: companies sometimes buy themselves out of responsibility for these by selling them or transferring ownership.

Noise and vibration

Measures aiming at the reduction of noise and vibration. Noise and vibration can cause a nuisance to neighbors and fauna.


The management of fugitive emissions such as dust from mining and processing activities or noise and seismic impacts from explosives use through, for example, monitoring activities and compliance with regulatory limits. (DMA)


Remediation, reclamation and decommissioning

Local community involvement

* strategies and measures to promote the involvement of local residents, including the evaluation of the approaches taken - information / consultation / participation mechanisms for regular exchange of information with local stakeholders - training and employment of local labour - taking into account social issues for local communities in mine closure plans Within a short space of time, mining projects create new centres of population with transport routes, power stations, industrial complexes and housing areas. Mining



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groups have a responsibility to implement these major changes in a way that fits in with the way of life and needs of local population groups and to inform residents about forthcoming activities and their possible impacts.

Measures taken to involve the community into decision-making processes concerning the planning and implementation of mine site cleanups. It is important for a mine site operator to demonstrate willingness to share control with local groups and to be responsive to recommendations from these groups. This is the heart of community-based environmental decision-making. Staff should meet regularly with stakeholder groups that include representatives from the community, state, and other stakeholders to discuss site plans and reach informal consensus on them. It is important for the site team to learn about the communities that will be affected by the site cleanup since the values and unique culture of each community impact how area residents react to cleanup efforts. Residents in many communities located near mine waste sites either are currently mining as an occupation or have ties to mining. They are proud of their mining heritage. They may view mine wastes not as eyesores or sources of risk, but as signs of economic vitality - a reminder of the “good old days”. Relics of mining - tailings piles and ponds, waste rock piles, cribbing, drainage tunnels - are considered valuable historical features.



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Process management

Issues such as land rights, population relocations, use of private security forces to protect mining assets, and mine closures also remain controversial


Process management and financial provisions

Number and percentage of operations with closure plans. Report the scope of closure planning; its associated financial provision, and its coverage of health, safety, social, environmental, legal, governance and human resource aspects. / The withdrawal or closure of mining operations will have considerable potential impacts on the workforce, the wider community, the local economy and the environment. ‘Closure’ may take many forms; it may be sudden or progressive; it may leave behind residual operations or it may represent a complete withdrawal. Whilst an operation may have a closure plan, the nature and content of the plan may vary with the different stages of a mining operation’s life cycle; from conceptual at the outset to more detailed and practical as the planned closure stage approaches. This indicator seeks disclosure of the extent to which operational sites have associated closure plans; the impacts of actual closure upon the environment and upon communities may be recorded under Indicators EN12 and SO1 respectively.


Process management, disposal of waste rock and tailings

* land use planning: geologic risk assessments and guidelines on biodiversity - mining and ore processing: methods applied and impact on the environment - tailings storage and disposal: guidelines, management systems, monitoring



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- mine closure and reclamation: guidelines, management systems, mine closure plans, monitoring of closed sites - measures to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) - controversies on environmental issues related to the company's activities Besides land and water consumption, deforestation and pollution of the air with greenhouse gases, dust and sulphur dioxide, the greatest threat posed to the environment by mining is the disposal of waste rock and tailings, some of which are highly toxic. Riverine or marine tailings disposal, the practice of disposing of untreated tailings containing heavy metals, toxins and acids into rivers or coastal waters, which is still in use in some places, has disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, and thus also for local drinking water supplies and fisheries. In particular, the chemical treatment of ores, for example the treatment of gold using cyanide, necessitates careful selection of the method of disposal and scrupulous monitoring of deposited residues. However, the waste rock itself also conceals risks: when layers of rock which from underground anoxic deposits come into contact with oxygenrich air and rainwater, they form large amounts of acid. These lead to acidification of soils and water and may mobilise toxic heavy metals. While some companies usually take good precautionary measures at new projects, there are various old plants and contaminated sites which pose severe threats to the


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environment: companies sometimes buy themselves out of responsibility for these by selling them or transferring ownership.

Social Labor conditions Freedom of association

Report how the organization’s freedom of association policy is implemented in practice.


Contractors Report how all policies, standards and practices are applied to contractors.


Social issues mainly center on occupational health & safety as well as general labor conditions.


Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- EC1, EC5, EC7, LA1-LA14, HR2, HR3, HR5 SO3 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

210* Business

Labor management relations

Employee relations

Reporting on the representation and engagement with employees, other workers and their trade unions in stakeholder consultation processes is of high importance given their direct involvement and significance in mining operations.


Strikes and/or lock-outs

Number of strikes and lock-outs exceeding one week’s duration, by country. Strikes and lockouts are indicative of a serious breakdown in labor/management relations, and a suspension of consultative processes. Data on the occurrence of such industrial incidents can convey a useful measure of the state of labor/management relations, and the direction of its progression over time.



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It will need to be set against the context of any limitations set by local legislation, and be benchmarked against norms for inter-country, inter-industry, and intersectoral comparisons

Although standards have been improving, companies still incur significant costs from poor labor relations performance Poor performance in this can lead to costly fines, legal settlements and work stoppages.


Migrant workers Human trafficking risks

Trafficking in persons, or human trafficking, involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a person (a woman, man or a child), often over international borders but also frequently within the boundaries of a single country, for the purpose of exploitation. It is a widespread abuse, affecting developing countries, countries in transition and industrialized market economies alike. The majority of victims of human trafficking are between the ages of 18 and 24, with most having received a job offer prior to their departure


Recruitment and employment

Number of migrant workers employed Countries of origin Gender of workers Positions within company Length of contracts Recruitment channels Any fees for recruitment Passport retention



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Migrant workers both internal and external are a significant and growing feature of all company activities. There are over 200 million migrants in the world. They are found within nearly all business sectors and across all regions. Many migrant workers, particularly those working in unskilled jobs are subject to discrimination and are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. For many migrants exploitation begins during recruitment. Exorbitant fees and other charges, often at usurious rates of interest can leave many migrant workers effectively bonded labour whatever the subsequent conditions of employment. Company due diligence and reporting should therefore extend into the supply chain for labour.

Occupational health and safety management

Education and training on health and safety issues

LA7 - Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism, and total number of work-related fatalities by region Provide a description of each accident resulting in a fatality, and actions taken following the accident. LA8 - Education, training, counseling, prevention, and risk-control programs in place to assist workforce members, their families, or community members regarding serious diseases LA7 - Health and safety performance is a key measure of an organization’s duty of care. Low injury and absentee rates are generally linked to positive trends in staff morale and productivity. This Indicator will show whether health and safety management practices are



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resulting in fewer occupational health and safety incidents. LA8 - As part of a preventative strategy for managing the health and safety of its workforce, this Indicator is relevant for any organization. It also has specific relevance for organizations working in countries with a high risk or incidence of communicable diseases, and those in professions that have a high incidence of specific diseases. The Indicator helps demonstrate the extent to which such issues have been addressed in organizational programs and the degree to which best practices are applied. Preventing serious diseases contributes to the health, satisfaction, and stability of the workforce, and helps maintain the organization’s social license to operate in a community or region.

Maintenance and safety of production sites and plants

Mining is considered among the riskiest industries from a health and safety perspective. Ageing mine infrastructure combined with inadequate safety management systems and implementation can lead to devastating events. Fatalities continue in the sector although the majority of companies report positive trends on the frequency and/or severity of accidents in their operations.

479 Business

Description of each accident resulting in a fatality, and actions taken following the accident. Provide a description of each accident resulting in a fatality, and actions taken following the accident. These may be aggregated where the causes of accidents or the actions taken are similar.// Report a summary of judgments



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made against the organization in the areas related to health and safety and labor laws

Risks of accidents - Employees, contractors and subcontractors

- health and safety management '- health and safety performance, including fatal accidents and accident rates '- reporting on both own employees and contractors Safety at work is the key issue as regards standards for employees in the metals and mining industry. Due to the processes and/or locations involved, there are numerous jobs which have a high accident risk associated with them. While many companies have already put comprehensive prevention measures in place, the success of which is documented by declining accident rates in almost all the companies assessed, accidents at work, particularly those resulting in fatalities, are still a major problem and a sad reality in the industry.


LA7 - Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism, and total number of work-related fatalities by region Provide a description of each accident resulting in a fatality, and actions taken following the accident. LA8 - Education, training, counseling, prevention, and risk-control programs in place to assist workforce members, their families, or community members regarding serious diseases LA7 - Health and safety performance is a key measure of an organization’s duty of care. Low injury and absentee rates are generally linked to positive trends in staff



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morale and productivity. This Indicator will show whether health and safety management practices are resulting in fewer occupational health and safety incidents. LA8 - As part of a preventative strategy for managing the health and safety of its workforce, this Indicator is relevant for any organization. It also has specific relevance for organizations working in countries with a high risk or incidence of communicable diseases, and those in professions that have a high incidence of specific diseases. The Indicator helps demonstrate the extent to which such issues have been addressed in organizational programs and the degree to which best practices are applied. Preventing serious diseases contributes to the health, satisfaction, and stability of the workforce, and helps maintain the organization’s social license to operate in a community or region.

Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- LA7, LA8, PR1 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

210* Business

Safety and a company's safety record are key factors in attracting employees. Although standards have been improving, companies still incur significant costs from poor health and safety performance



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Occupational health and safety risks

Accidents Description of each accident resulting in a fatality, and actions taken following the accident. Provide a description of each accident resulting in a fatality, and actions taken following the accident. These may be aggregated where the causes of accidents or the actions taken are similar.// Report a summary of judgments made against the organization in the areas related to health and safety and labor laws


Dust, noise, cold, limited lighting and HIV/AIDS

This industry is associated with a high number of occupational illnesses due to dust, noise, cold and limited lighting. HIV/AIDS is also a health threat for firms operating in Africa and other regions, which may affect corporate profitability.

479 Business

Exposure to toxic chemicals

In the occupational setting, exposure via air and ingestion constitute the primary routes of exposure. Dermal absorption of inorganic lead through unabraded human skin is considered to be minimal. The relationship between air lead and blood lead in the occupational setting has been the subject of much study. In general, blood lead/air lead relationships are found to be curvilinear in nature. This is to say, the impact of a given air lead level upon blood lead will vary as a function of the intensity of exposure being experienced by the individual. In general, a given unit of lead in air will produce a greater increase of blood lead in an individual with a low blood lead level as opposed to one with a

305 Business


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high blood lead level. Thus, estimates of the relationship between air lead and blood lead in the occupational setting suggest that there is an increase between 0.02 and 0.08 μg/dL (microgram per deciliter) of lead in blood for each μg/m3 (cubic meter) of lead in air. Long-term high level exposure to lead can be associated with adverse impacts upon a variety of organ systems and body functions. For example: - Impaired central nervous function and symptoms of colic can be observed in lead-exposed adults with a history of several years of exposure to lead of approximately 70 μg/dL - Prolonged high level exposure to lead can produce clinically significant reductions in kidney function - Production of cancerous tumors of the kidney - Lead is capable of interfering with multiple enzymes involved in the production of haemoglobin incorporated into the red blood cell. Exposure levels which produce significant decreases in haemoglobin production are generally on the order of 50 μg/dL - High level exposure to lead can have adverse effects upon pregnancy outcome in women

Workers in industries using chemicals are especially vulnerable through exposure to toxic chemicals and related health effects: asbestosis among workers



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employed, in asbestos mining and milling

Fatalities, injuries and illnesses

LA7 - Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism, and total number of work-related fatalities by region Provide a description of each accident resulting in a fatality, and actions taken following the accident. LA8 - Education, training, counseling, prevention, and risk-control programs in place to assist workforce members, their families, or community members regarding serious diseases LA7 - Health and safety performance is a key measure of an organization’s duty of care. Low injury and absentee rates are generally linked to positive trends in staff morale and productivity. This Indicator will show whether health and safety management practices are resulting in fewer occupational health and safety incidents. LA8 - As part of a preventative strategy for managing the health and safety of its workforce, this Indicator is relevant for any organization. It also has specific relevance for organizations working in countries with a high risk or incidence of communicable diseases, and those in professions that have a high incidence of specific diseases. The Indicator helps demonstrate the extent to which such issues have been addressed in organizational programs and the degree to which best practices are applied. Preventing serious diseases contributes to the health, satisfaction, and stability of



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the workforce, and helps maintain the organization’s social license to operate in a community or region.

HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis

Access to labor can be particularly challenging in area that are affected by the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis Although standards have been improving, companies still incur significant costs from poor health and safety performance


Transport and extraction

Extraction and transport are known to produce carcinogens, fires which break out in disused mines generate toxic smoke and old mines sometimes leak highly acidic water.

479 Business

Fatalities & Injuries Total number of fatalities in relation to FTEs Total number of injuries in relation to FTEs




In terms of social sustainability, occupational health and safety dominate the agenda.


Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- LA7, LA8, PR1

210* Business


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Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

Sustainable behavior promotion

Executive and middle-management education on sustainability

Executive and management education, particularly for smaller mining companies that are less advanced along the spectrum of sustainability performance, is hugely important to getting commitment to- and resources for sustainability initiatives. Sustainability performance is dependent not on just one functional area of an organization, but on all of them. As such, it is important that executives and managers from all functional areas understand the need for- and merits to committing time and resources to sustainability performance improvement.

64 Business

Incentives for employees to care about organization's sustainable performance

It has long been widely understood that the key to changing behaviour is incentives. Sustainability in the mining industry is really simply about changing decision making and the associated behaviour. As such, it is important to incentivize employees to care about sustainability performance rather than simply financial performance.

28, 103 Business

Local community engagement

Information, consultation and participation mechanisms

* strategies and measures to promote the involvement of local residents, including the evaluation of the approaches taken - information / consultation / participation mechanisms for regular exchange of information with local stakeholders - training and employment of local labour - taking into account social issues for local communities in mine closure plans Within a short space of time, mining projects create new



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centres of population with transport routes, power stations, industrial complexes and housing areas. Mining groups have a responsibility to implement these major changes in a way that fits in with the way of life and needs of local population groups and to inform residents about forthcoming activities and their possible impacts.

Community development and negative impact mitigation

Reporting on systematic approaches to community participation is of particular importance for the extractive industry, which can often become a significant presence – in economic, social and environmental terms – in communities that may otherwise be poor, small, remote, or under-developed. In that sense, reporting can usefully disclose how companies act to mitigate negative impacts, and contribute to local development, and how consultation processes ensure that the assessments of impact and the valuations of benefit properly reflect local views. Reporting on community engagement processes is also valuable when it describes how wider and more indirect public benefits are provided (as may be reported in Indicator EC8), and can be indicative of a company’s approach to building broad-based relationships with a local community, not just the direct beneficiaries.


Social inclusion Report on measures in place for social inclusion. / Reporting on the extent to which community participation processes are socially inclusive and which ensure the engagement with women or disadvantaged groups can indicate a company’s ability to manage relationships with groups that otherwise might not benefit from its operations (a social responsibility



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aspect) or which can oppose operations if they do not feel that they are treated equitably (a risk mitigation aspect). Such measures may be disclosed (for example) in corporate policies, approaches to stakeholder selection, participatory approaches in community consultation, and in assessment procedures.

Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- SO1, MM6, MM7 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

210* Business

SO1 - Nature, scope, and effectiveness of any programs and practices that assess and manage the impacts of operations on communities, including entering, operating, and exiting MM6 - Number and description of significant disputes relating to land use, customary rights of local communities and Indigenous People EC8 - Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services provided primarily for public benefit through commercial, inkind, or pro bono engagement S01 - It is important to have a measure that reflects the approach used by the organization to manage its impacts, both negative and positive, systematically across the range of communities in which it operates. MM6 - Extractive industries are highly dependent on



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stable access to land and natural resources. Land and related customary resources are of fundamental importance to local communities and Indigenous Peoples since they constitute the basis of their economic livelihood and are the source of their spiritual, cultural and social identity. Access to land and resources therefore often becomes a point of conflict between company facilities and local communities if management processes are not put in place to effectively assess and mange, if not prevent, the conflict. The number of recorded incidents relating to land and other related resources provides information about the implementation of an organization’s policies. This information will help indicate the state of relations with local stakeholder communities, particularly in regions where Indigenous People reside or have interests near operations of the reporting organization. EC8 - As well as generating and distributing economic value, an organization can affect an economy through its investments in infrastructure. The impacts of infrastructure investment can extend beyond the scope of the organization’s own business operations and over a longer timescale. This might include transport links, utilities, community social facilities, sports centers, health and welfare centers, etc. Along with investment in its own operations, this is one measure of an organization’s capital contribution to the economy.


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Explanation Reference(s)1 Constituency Group

Local communities and indigenous peoples rights

Risks and conflicts with local communities and indigenous peoples

- protecting human rights and preserving livelihoods: policy, risk assessments, measures and controversies '- standards and training courses for (own and contracted) security forces '- grievance mechanisms for affected communities Opencast mining, in particular, requires large areas of land, these being determined by the extent of the deposits. This frequently leads to the clearing of large areas of forest, driving out traditional forms of agriculture, hunting and fishing. In addition, large areas are flooded by reservoirs created in order to generate energy for smelters. The traditional way of life of the indigenous population in developing and newly industrialized countries, as well as in parts of industrialised countries like Australia and Canada, is closely linked to the land, natural water resources and local flora and fauna. The changes in land use and (in some cases forced) resettlements therefore place severe constraints on traditional ways of life. The industrial activity also interferes with the traditional extraction of raw materials by indigenous people using simple methods (smallscale artisanal mining). This frequently leads to protests by farmers and unlawful trespassing on mining areas by illegal prospectors, which in turn sometimes result in violent assaults by security personnel or local military or police forces.


SO1 - Nature, scope, and effectiveness of any programs and practices that assess and manage the impacts of operations on communities, including entering,

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operating, and exiting MM6 - Number and description of significant disputes relating to land use, customary rights of local communities and Indigenous People EC8 - Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services provided primarily for public benefit through commercial, inkind, or pro bono engagement S01 - It is important to have a measure that reflects the approach used by the organization to manage its impacts, both negative and positive, systematically across the range of communities in which it operates. MM6 - Extractive industries are highly dependent on stable access to land and natural resources. Land and related customary resources are of fundamental importance to local communities and Indigenous Peoples since they constitute the basis of their economic livelihood and are the source of their spiritual, cultural and social identity. Access to land and resources therefore often becomes a point of conflict between company facilities and local communities if management processes are not put in place to effectively assess and mange, if not prevent, the conflict. The number of recorded incidents relating to land and other related resources provides information about the implementation of an organization’s policies. This information will help indicate the state of relations with local stakeholder communities, particularly in regions

Users


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where Indigenous People reside or have interests near operations of the reporting organization. EC8 - As well as generating and distributing economic value, an organization can affect an economy through its investments in infrastructure. The impacts of infrastructure investment can extend beyond the scope of the organization’s own business operations and over a longer timescale. This might include transport links, utilities, community social facilities, sports centers, health and welfare centers, etc. Along with investment in its own operations, this is one measure of an organization’s capital contribution to the economy.

Land use Payments to local communities

Report on Payments to local communities as part of land use agreements, not including land purchases.


Land use and customary rights

Risks and conflicts with local communities and indigenous peoples

Number and description of significant disputes relating to land use, customary rights of local communities and Indigenous Peoples / The extent to which grievance mechanisms were used to resolve disputes relating to land use, customary rights of local communities and Indigenous Peoples, and the outcomes. Extractive industries are highly dependent on stable access to land and natural resources. Land and related customary resources are of fundamental importance to local communities and Indigenous Peoples since they constitute the basis of their economic livelihood and are the source of their spiritual, cultural and social identity. Access to land and resources therefore often becomes a point of conflict between company facilities and local



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communities if management processes are not put in place to effectively assess and mange, if not prevent, the conflict. Report on any policies relating to community consultation and support (including free, prior and informed consent), and settings where such dialogues are required by company policy and where they are not.

Those included in the current G3 framework and existing Mining and Metals Sector Supplement. See indicators- SO1, MM6, MM7 Relevance sections listed for the indicators above in the G3 and MMSS.

210* Business

Land use rights Risks and conflicts with local communities and indigenous peoples



The right to access the land is not restricted by a narrow interpretation of property rights. The rights‐holders have human rights, which may not include land‐ownership rights, partly because some countries do not recognize individual property rights, and partly because some people may not have legal title to the land on which they live or work, but may have customarily done so for years, if not generations. That aspect has huge significance for the landless and other rights are also involved. It affects those with land rights, and those who work on the land, such as sharecroppers, and those who



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use land seasonally, such as pastoralists or informal businesses common in many parts of Africa. These groups often correlate with those that are already the most vulnerable groups in society (e.g. due to gender, caste or age discrimination). Their not owning property rights does not mean they do not have rights – The impact on human rights is felt much before business operations begin – even when a company expresses its intention to develop a project in a particular area, there are human rights implications, because of raised expectations within a community. The power asymmetry between State and communities, between private economic interests and individuals or groups, often becomes the determining factor in shaping the land ownership dilemma. Business, civil society, and governments have a common interest in developing a framework that prevents human rights abuses at all stages of business’ relationship with land – before acquisition, during acquisition, and after operations have commenced and, if necessary, concerning appropriate relocation, rehabilitation and compensation. The extraction of natural resources – oil, gas, and mining – has commanded considerable attention in the area of business and human rights, but other businesses – tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure projects, power plants, public highways, irrigation projects, and even urban office complexes and supermarkets require land.


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Community resettlement

Voluntary and/or involuntary resettlement

The establishment of mining operations may involve the displacement and resettlement of people. Whether voluntary or involuntary, potential impacts may include: loss of productive land, loss of employment and income, loss of housing, loss of access to common resources and public services, and social fragmentation.




Companies’ activities may impact on the right to freedom of movement, for example, a community has to be relocated because of company operations, which restricts the freedom of those people to choose where they live. Development related relocation is permissible only if absolutely necessary and so long as it is not conducted arbitrarily or in an unreasonable manner. To this end, freedom of movement must be recognised and considered as part of any discussions concerning relocation. Resettlement should be lawfully achieved after consultation with, notice and compensation for, and ideally consent from, those affected. Bonded labour,56 in situations where a worker’s passport or travel documents are withheld, breaches the right to freedom of movement.


Corruption Finally, and similarly to other extractive industries, the mining space is particularly susceptible to corruption, bribery, and other breaches of codes of conduct



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Public policy positions and lobbying

As per GRI SO5 Public policy positions and participation in public policy development and lobbying By understanding the social and economic risk and opportunities of climate change helps organisations reduce their impact on the environment. Engaging in climate change policy development helps organisations understand their likely effectiveness, scale and cost.

210*

Business

Bonded labor Companies’ activities may impact on the right to freedom of movement, for example, a community has to be relocated because of company operations, which restricts the freedom of those people to choose where they live. Development related relocation is permissible only if absolutely necessary and so long as it is not conducted arbitrarily or in an unreasonable manner. To this end, freedom of movement must be recognised and considered as part of any discussions concerning relocation. Resettlement should be lawfully achieved after consultation with, notice and compensation for, and ideally consent from, those affected. Bonded labour,56 in situations where a worker’s passport or travel documents are withheld, breaches the right to freedom of movement.


Security practices

Security forces Issues such as land rights, population relocations, use of private security forces to protect mining assets, and mine closures also remain controversial



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Indigenous peoples rights

Adherence to international agreements (e.g. Equator Principles and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples)

The GRI should solicit companies’ policies and practices on the question of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) by asking if company explicitly recognizes or references the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples or the ILO Conventions 107 and 169. Reporting should go beyond compliance violations to explicitly address reporters’ proactive strategies to address their impact on Indigenous communities (particularly with respect to cultural heritage) and how well companies are equipped to anticipate, forestall and mitigate negative impacts. Report on operations where indigenous communities are affected by activities (where FPIC applies), where specific engagement strategies are in place, number of projects that have failed FPIC review processes, and any projects that were preempted or discontinued due to that failure. Report on measurement and tracking of indicators of Indigenous Peoples’ community well-being, (e.g. life expectancy, substance abuse, domestic violence, native language literacy, and intensity of cultural practices) before during and after project. Disclose what materials and training the company provides to its employees pertaining to the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Mining operations can affect large areas of land, displace local residents, and have long-term environmental impacts. LEGAL: With the near universal adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (IP) and with the expectation that these rights will be adopted both nationally and internationally as legal

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standards, corporations should be thinking from the highest levels about how they are incorporating these specific human rights into their management structure. FINANCIAL: While there are some examples of successful FPIC, there are many more where a company's operations have been shut down, projects delayed or in some cases forcibly abandoned due to blockades, legal actions or permit appeals. REPUTATIONAL: Companies that ignore the rights of local communities and/or respond to protests through the employment of private security forces are highly exposed to human rights violations, and face reputational risks that can lead to lost revenue or destruction of shareholder value. Any company involved in mining on the lands of Indigenous People will have an impact on the local community. Potential negative impacts include but are not limited to contamination of and competition for local water resources, disruption of herd migration, lack of appropriate infrastructure development, housing and employment, division of local tribes, increase in vice, and air and noise pollution. Risks include not only operational (financial) but reputational. FPIC provides the opportunity for companies to operate on Indigenous Peoples' land in a manner that respects their right to self-determination, provides equitable economic benefits, and serves to preempt multiple financial, legal, regulatory and reputational risks. Opportunities exist for economic partnerships that not only provide communities with an equitable stake in company success, but can serve to increase efficiency and


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profitability of operations through application of Indigenous Peoples' unique expertise of their territories

Risks and conflicts with indigenous peoples

Total number of operations taking place in or adjacent to Indigenous Peoples’ territories, and number and percentage of operations or sites where there are formal agreements with Indigenous Peoples’ communities. The remote locations of mining operations have often brought mining companies into contact with Indigenous Peoples. This indicator measures the level of risk associated with a company’s exposure in operating on or near territory claimed by indigenous communities and the extent to which that risk is managed through formalized agreements recognized by all parties. Key stakeholders including investors and lenders, as well as Indigenous Peoples themselves, are increasingly interested in policies on free, prior and informed consent. Additional standards of particular relevance to companies in the mining and metals sector include: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.


Emergency preparedness

Local community engagement

Communities adjacent to mining operations will be concerned about the hazards and risks the operations generate. Information is sought on the existence of emergency plans, how they are prepared (consultation, rehearsal, regular review and modification), and their content (arrangements for the management of crises should they arise); this will assist community understanding of risks. A fast and effective local response to an incident, based on an adequately informed and prepared community, can be the most



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important factor in limiting injury to people as well as damage to property and the environment.

Process safety Safety management systems

Mining is considered among the riskiest industries from a health and safety perspective. Ageing mine infrastructure combined with inadequate safety management systems and implementation can lead to devastating events. Fatalities continue in the sector although the majority of companies report positive trends on the frequency and/or severity of accidents in their operations.

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Adherence to international, national and local best practices/norms

Number and frequency of work-related accidents, including injury or long-term health complications to workers, and processes in place to manage such risks. Relates to type of equipment used, safety measures taken and compliance with local and international regulations. For example, compliance with regulation on occupational exposure limits to certain minerals during production phases. Local and international laws exist to ensure worker safety in mining productions due to the high-risks involved. For example, an analysis conducted by Xstrata Coal in Australia identified activities within the continuous miner development unit that presented the greatest risk of injury. One of the main risks to worker safety involves equipment design and management in relation to roof bolting, cable handling, operation of shuttle cars and load haul dump vehicles. The analysis led to a publication of a handbook of guidelines detailing best practice specifications to be used when designing,

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ordering and manufacturing new machinery.

Other Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM)

Risk management and mitigation

Number (and percentage) of company operating sites where artisanal and smallscale mining (ASM) takes place on, or adjacent to, the site; the associated risks and the actions taken to manage and mitigate these risks. Artisanal and small-scale mining can have negative impacts on both the environment and the health and safety of those involved. At the same time, ASM can provide an important source of livelihood for many communities. The context in which ASM exists can provide significant risk to companies. This indicator provides insight into how the company manages risks associated with ASM, such as: • Environmental risks (e.g. mercury and cyanide pollution, dumping of tailings into river systems). • Social issues, including potential conflict over land access and with security teams. • Hazards to health


Corporate governance

Code of Ethics Achievements in the CSR goals settled in previous reporting period. Beside qualitative information numbers should be given too. Code of Ethics should be in place Impact on the environment: biosphere and socially impact ought to be illustrated. Labor Conduct Code? Payroll transparency is seldom given; we need it to evaluate the relation between the highest and the lowest pay Transparency for the taxes. What quantum of it have been paid to the local community, state/country of



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residence, etc. It reflects the "possible way" for mining companies to become a sustainable industry. A good skill for social responsible investments. It may have an impact on economic strategies especially in the emerging countries. More the reporting data of extractive industries is transparent, the greater/larger is the impact on investments and especially ethical investments. For ethical analysts this transparency widens the platform for more objectively assessment procedure. Most of them excludes the extractive sector by principle, but this sector exists and needs to be taken in the lively awareness of the investors. On the other hand investors may/ought to incite extractive companies to respect and implement CSR-Guidelines. Their role to play is somehow more important than governmental regulations and laws.

Gender participation on governance bodies

GOVERNANCE / EUROPE: boardroom lady boom: is it possible without quotas? On 22 June, the CapitalCom agency published its 2011 survey into the boardroom gender mix of CAC 40 companies, with fairly encouraging results: the proportion of women on the board has doubled in recent years, from 10.5% in 2009 to 20.8% in 2011. In January, the French parliament adopted legislation imposing quotas for the proportion of women on the board of major companies. Under the measures, the



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development of female board membership is mandatory and gradual: 20% for listed groups, public companies of an administrative, industrial and commercial nature by January 2014, rising to 40% by January 2017. The law also stipulates that companies with no women present on their board must appoint at least one within six months of it being on the statute books (voted on 13 January 2011). In France, some 2,000 companies are affected (the 650 largest listed firms and companies with more than 500 employees and those generating sales in excess of €50bn). In terms of sanctions for noncompliance, appointments that run counter to the parity principles are to be declared null and void and attendance fees are to be temporarily suspended. At the European level and at the instigation of the Vice-president of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, the European parliament will decide in March 2012 on whether to adopt common legislation on this matter (a mandatory proportion of women in decision-making positions of 30% in 2015 and 40% in 2020). This will depend on the level of improvement seen based on the selfregulation of European companies, in accordance with the equality initiative adopted by the European Commission in December 2010 and the European parliament resolution of 17 January 2008 calling for the Commission and member states to promote a balance between women and men on company boards, particularly where member states are shareholders.


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Europe as a whole illustrates the degree of hesitation between a soft-law approach and conventional legislation (quotas in this instance), but it is clear from the experience at national level that the second method tends to get much better results.

Political accountability

Note that this topic is applicable to more than the three industries noted. Essentially the political accountability practices of any company that is owned by public stockholders. Political contributions, the amount of disclosure and board oversight are among the data items that would be helpful in a sustainability report. In making investment decisions (especially for investors interested in socially responsible investing) is would be helpful to understand how a given company is exposed to political risk (i.e. are they backing the winning candidate, are they subject to potential retribution, why do they find it necessary to make political contributions, etc.). I have found the information I reference to be helpful in constructing investment portfolios that take into account this attribute of sustainability. Since it is not currently an established parameter in the socially responsible investment industry (www.ussif.org), adoption by the Global Reporting Initiative would go a long way in moving the topic of political accountability forward.


Stakeholder relations to conduct business

Government, community and NGO

Access to land is dependent on good stakeholder (government, community, NGO) relations. Failure to manage these relationships can lead to reputational

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damage, increased operational costs and reduced access to mineral resources. For example, Vedanta has faced consistent opposition from Orissa communities regarding a bauxite mine in India, with NGOs such as Action Aid, Amnesty International all condemning the company’s mining activities. The outcome is that Vedanta has improved upon its stakeholder engagement and strategy.

Social license to operate

Earn and maintain a social license to operate through an effective engagement with local stakeholders. Societal and community issues related to mining were found to be strongly linked to three business drivers: access to natural resources, political and regulatory environment and a company's reputation. Societal and community issues related to mining were found to be strongly linked to three business drivers: access to natural resources, political and regulatory environment and a company's reputation.


Stakeholder identification

It is important that stakeholder groups are properly identified in the process of stakeholder engagement in order to ensure that all voices are being heard and factored into decisions. In having to report on the number of stakeholder groups identified, organizations will be able to benchmark against companies operating in similar environments to understand if they are grossly below the reasonable number of stakeholder groups likely to have a stake in their project. Having to report on the process of stakeholder

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identification and engagement year after year will reinforce the need to continuously undertake stakeholder analysis and engagement. This topic is material because more and more mining companies are working in areas of the world that have complex stakeholder contexts which are both difficult to understand and difficult to manage. Stakeholder engagement is the hallmark of successful interactions between mining companies and communities, and an indicator which digs deeper into the ongoing process of understanding and engaging stakeholders will reinforce focus on this performance area.

Supplier screening

Labor conditions in the supply chain

Labour conditions among the supply chain. 479 Business

Mining – Coal – Specific Topics

Other Sourcing strategy and policies

ESG standards of suppliers and contractors

How do you ensure that your suppliers adhere to a standard of ESG compliance similar to that of your company? When assessing the performance of your procurement and purchasing functions: Do you incentivise your procurement management for the selection of ESG performing suppliers even if you might have to carry a premium over less expensive suppliers?

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Mining – Iron, Aluminum, Other Metals – Specific Topics

Economic Carbon abatement and offsetting

Carbon reduction initiatives

A great deal of the environmental damage is caused by the way we do business. Governments have recognised this and are working to reverse some current trends. Achieving this will depend on rebalancing the focus of taxation – increasing taxes on economic negatives, such as pollutions, while reducing them on economic positives, such as labour. The European Union’s contribution to a balanced carbon world includes the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which is a mechanism to cost the price of carbon (negative externality) into those industries that are the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters. In the short term, carbon pricing will change the cost structure for many companies and the relative competitiveness of carbon-intensive business sectors. Over the long term, if unchecked, the changing climate could do severe damage to the economy, undermining the ability of pension funds and other long-term investors to finance their liabilities. While some commentators have argued that investors should preferentially invest in companies with low GHG emissions, the prudent investors will also consider the likelihood that the company will be required to reduce some or all of its GHG emissions, the timeframe over which the emission reductions are required, and the cost to the company of reducing or offsetting its emissions. Steel companies, for example, are faced with greater production costs as this sector is both energy- and emissions-intensive. More countries are adopting

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climate change legislation and pressure is mounting on emerging markets to curb carbon emissions. Those companies with a comprehensive strategy to reduce energy will be the most competitive going forward. In the EU, steel companies have significant challenges as a result of rising energy and carbon (permits for emissions i.e. carbon credits) costs. The sector has also been negatively impacted at the macro level. Softening demand in China’s construction industry led to a dramatic drop in steel prices in the last quarter of 2008.


Recycled input materials use

Materials used that are recycled input materials. Includes both post-consumer recycled material and waste from industrial sources (e.g. new scrap from fabricators and old scrap from end-of-life equipment), but excludes internal recycling within the facility (home scrap).


Use of recycled steel (scrap) as a raw material saves natural resources and energy, resulting in lower CO2 emissions.

521 Business

Energy consumption

Smelting and refining processes

These processes require a significant amount of energy that if derived from fossil fuels can contribute significantly to climate change.



Bauxite processing and aluminum production

Amount of energy used during heat transfers and recoveries, digestions, pumping, and the mining, crushing transport and grinding of bauxite relative to the amount of energy required for such processes. Energy is often lost in poor heat transfers due to vessel scaling and non-optimal designs of systems. Heat can be



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recovered from calciners through newer technologies to improve the energy efficiency of aluminum production systems, including digestion, pumping and the processing of bauxite.

Energy consumption and climate change remain two of the most pressing issues facing the aluminum industry. Today, coal and hydro dominate the energy source of aluminum production. Although specific power consumption (MWh/t) has been halved over the past 10 years, smelting remains a very energy-intensive process that uses considerably more energy than steel production. This ecological disadvantage is partly offset by the significantly lower specific weight of aluminum and the moderate energy input required for aluminum recycling. Nevertheless, further decreases in specific energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from anode consumption remain a key challenge.


Recycled steel (scrap) use

Use of recycled steel (scrap) as a raw material saves natural resources and energy, resulting in lower CO2 emissions.

521 Business

Steel production, use of reduction agents (e.g., coal, coke)

Data (esp. share of reduction agents!), energy management High energy intensity. In steel production the major source of our energy consumption is the use of coal and derived coke as a chemical reduction agent which are indispensable to reduce iron ore in a chemical process (and therefore they are not used as a fuel). The use of reduction agents has been reduced close to the chemical-technical minimum. It therefore cannot be

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reduced with the existing technologies. Neither can this “energy” be substituted by other forms, i. E. one could not replace a tonne of coal by its energy equivalent of electricity from renewable sources. Please create a business category for materials in general or at least for basic materials. This industry is not only construction materials (e.g. steel industry is missing). The global impact of the materials industry is partly very important.

Emissions to air - GHG emissions

Management and reduction of CO2 emissions in steel production

Data, Management, Risks, Opportunities High CO2 intensity due consumption of reduction agents Please create a business category for materials in general or at least for basic materials. This industry is not only construction materials (e.g. steel industry is missing). The global impact of the materials industry is partly very important.

65, 613 Business

One of the challenges faced by the iron and steel producing sector is the successful management of CO2 constraints and climate change risks. Numerous steel companies are developing technologies to reduce the CO2 intensity of the steel making process. Any breakthrough would represent a considerable competitive advantage, not only within the industry itself, but also in competition with the aluminum sector.


Transport of materials to smelting

Measures aiming at reducing GHG emissions from transport of materials.

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facilities The concentrate trade is a well established global business and involves the shipping of substantial volumes of material for smelting at facilities across East Asia in general. The transport of materials for smeltering leads to considerable emissions of exhaust gas pollution, such as CO2, which affects human health and the environment.

Soil pollution Bauxite residue Bauxite residue total in tonnes 153 Financial Markets & Information Users

Chemical treatment of ores

* land use planning: geologic risk assessments and guidelines on biodiversity - mining and ore processing: methods applied and impact on the environment - tailings storage and disposal: guidelines, management systems, monitoring - mine closure and reclamation: guidelines, management systems, mine closure plans, monitoring of closed sites - measures to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) - controversies on environmental issues related to the company's activities Besides land and water consumption, deforestation and pollution of the air with greenhouse gases, dust and sulphur dioxide, the greatest threat posed to the environment by mining is the disposal of waste rock and tailings, some of which are highly toxic. Riverine or marine tailings disposal, the practice of disposing of untreated tailings containing heavy metals, toxins and acids into rivers or coastal waters, which is still in use in



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some places, has disastrous consequences for aquatic ecosystems, and thus also for local drinking water supplies and fisheries. In particular, the chemical treatment of ores, for example the treatment of gold using cyanide, necessitates careful selection of the method of disposal and scrupulous monitoring of deposited residues. However, the waste rock itself also conceals risks: when layers of rock which from underground anoxic deposits come into contact with oxygenrich air and rainwater, they form large amounts of acid. These lead to acidification of soils and water and may mobilise toxic heavy metals. While some companies usually take good precautionary measures at new projects, there are various old plants and contaminated sites which pose severe threats to the environment: companies sometimes buy themselves out of responsibility for these by selling them or transferring ownership.

Water pollution Mining and processing

Ore mining and processing can also contaminate surface and ground water.

479 Business

Hazardous waste Spent Pot Lining (SPL) in aluminum production

SPL spent pot lining in kg per tonne of hot metal produced. Spent Pot Lining (SPL) is a contaminated graphite/ceramics cell waste generated in the primary production of aluminium.


Waste management

Aluminum production

However, as aluminum producers are becoming vertically integrated, they are also increasingly faced with other sustainability issues such as stakeholder engagement and mineral waste management.


Recycling and Percentage and kind of recycled materials used in steel 612, 614 Mediating


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reuse of steel scraps and by-products in steel production

productions, includes steel scraps and by-products. The main by-products produced during iron and crude steel production are slags (mixture of silica, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and aluminum and iron oxides), gases, dusts and sludges (produced from dust or fines in various steelmaking and rolling processes; high moisture content). Due to steel's magnetic properties and thus, feasibility with which steel is separated from waste streams, more steel is recycled worldwide annually than all other materials put together. Recycling steel contributes to resource conservation and industry sustainability, enabling high recovery rates and avoiding landfills. According to the World Steel Association, the recovery and use of by-products has contributed to a material efficiency rate of 97% worldwide and reduced CO2 emissions as well as generated revenues for steel producers. On average, the production of 1 tonne of steel results in 200 to 400 kg of by-products.

Institution

Recycling and reuse of waste in steel production

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, a reduction of airborne emissions of heavy metals, dioxins and furans, as well as recycling and reuse of waste, will feature prominently on companies’ future agendas. The consolidation seen in the steel sector over the last few years is likely to continue into the future.



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Water withdrawal

Water consumption and impacts on fresh water sources

Hard rock mines typically require water for drilling, and for any associated size reduction facilities. Water consumption can be stated in terms of gallons of water per ton of ore produced, except for production drilling and site dust control. Water is becoming more and more a scarce and valuable resource as population and consumption rise. Many human factors influence the availability of water. It is therefore important to become aware of the water consumed for drilling.


Chemicals management

Cyanide The use of cyanide has a long history in the mining industry. For decades, it has been used as a pyrite depressant in base metal flotation, a type of beneficiation process. It also has been used for more than a century in gold recovery. Cyanide concentrations are generally measured as one of the following four forms: - Free Cyanide. Free cyanide refers to the cyanide that is present in solution as CN or HCN and includes cyanide-bonded sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium (free cyanide is very difficult to measure except at high concentrations and its results are often unreliable, difficult to duplicate, or inaccurate). - Weak Acid Dissociable (WAD) Cyanide. WAD cyanide is the fraction of cyanide that will volatilize to HCN in a weak acid solution at a pH of 4.5. WAD cyanide includes free cyanide, simple cyanide, and weak cyanide complexes of zinc, cadmium, silver, copper, and nickel.



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- Total Cyanide. Total cyanide refers to all of the cyanide present in any form, including iron, cobalt, and gold complexes. - Cyanide Amenable to Chlorination (CATC). CATC cyanide refers to the cyanide that is destroyed by chlorination. CATC is commonly used at water treatment plants. Cyanide can cause two major types of potential environmental impacts at abandoned mine sites: - Free-standing Cyanide Solution. Cyanide-containing ponds and ditches can present an acute hazard to wildlife and birds. Tailings ponds may present similar hazards, although cyanide concentrations are typically much lower. - Cyanide Leachate from Process or Waste units. Cyanide in active heaps and ponds and in mining wastes (e.g., heaps and dumps of spent ore, tailings impoundments) may be released and present hazards to surface water or ground water. In all but a few major cases, cyanide spills have been contained onsite, and soils have provided significant attenuation in most cases. Cyanide may also increase the potential for metals to go into solution and, therefore, be transported to other locations.

Other Reserves The main sustainability issue facing the mining industry is that of declining ore grades which implies that, over time, more mineral ore needs to be extracted and processed in order to produce the same amount of metal. This is likely to exacerbate many of the environmental and social issues facing the mining &



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metals industry going forward. Prominent environmental issues include mineral waste management as well as the management of key inputs such as energy and water.

Stakeholder relations to conduct business

Social license to operate

However, as aluminum producers are becoming vertically integrated, they are also increasingly faced with other sustainability issues such as stakeholder engagement and mineral waste management.


Mining – Other (Rare Minerals, Precious Metals and Gems) – Specific Topics


Recycled input materials use

Materials used that are recycled input materials. Includes both post-consumer recycled material and waste from industrial sources (e.g. new scrap from fabricators and old scrap from end-of-life equipment), but excludes internal recycling within the facility (home scrap).


Energy consumption

Smelting and refining processes

These processes require a significant amount of energy that if derived from fossil fuels can contribute significantly to climate change.



Recovery and use of secondary raw materials

* climate protection strategy and measures - GHG emissions data - energy and GHG efficiency of metals production - measures to improve energy and GHG efficiency of metals production - use of secondary raw materials in the production The metals and mining industry is a significant consumer of fossil fuels and electrical energy. In view of the continuing rise in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and the associated impact on climate, mining companies therefore have a particular



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responsibility to take steps to reduce CO2 emissions. If nothing else, rising energy prices have prompted companies to take numerous measures to improve the energy efficiency of their processes. Large potential savings can also be generated by using secondary raw materials (scrap metal), the processing of which requires many times less energy than the use of primary raw materials (ores). On cost grounds alone, companies are favourably disposed toward energy-saving production processes and the processing of scrap metal. However, they frequently cite the lack of availability of scrap metal as a counter-argument to further increasing the proportion of secondary raw materials in their production. For the industry to develop sustainably, the individual players need in future to focus more on using renewable energy sources such as, in particular, the sun, wind and biomass and to develop measures to promote the extensive recovery and use of secondary raw materials.

Radioactive waste

Risks, storage and disposal

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that the industry annually produces 1 million barrels (200,000 m3) of what it considers ‘low and intermediate-level waste’ and about 50,000 barrels (10,000 m3) of the even more dangerous ‘high-level waste’. These numbers do not include spent nuclear fuel, which is also high-level waste. It takes 240,000 years for radioactive plutonium to decay to a level that is safe for human exposure, which is an even longer period than modern humans have been on the Earth (200,000 years). There is no way to guarantee that these

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substances can be kept safe for this amount of time. It is senseless to allow the nuclear industry to continue producing more nuclear waste.

Remediation, reclamation and decommissioning

Nuclear power reactors and plant decommissioning

Nuclear decommissioning refers to safe handling, at the end of life, of nuclear power reactors and nuclear facilities. As the first generations of such reactors reach the end of their original design lives and some countries review their nuclear power programmes, the number of reactors to be decommissioned in the next ten years is set to increase significantly. Each decommissioning presents particular technical challenges and risks to human health and the environment. The cost of decommissioning varies greatly, depending on the reactor type and size, its location, the proximity and availability of waste disposal facilities, the intended future use of the site, and the condition of both the reactor and the site at the time of decommissioning. It represents a substantial share of the cost of a nuclear power reactor’s overall operations. The term “decommissioning” refers to safe management – at the end of life – of many different types of nuclear facilities and sites. Decommissioning is carried out at power stations, fuel processing facilities, research reactors, enrichment plants, nuclear and radiological laboratories, uranium mines and uranium processing plants. Reactors that power submarines and ships (including ice breakers and aircraft carriers) must also be decommissioned. The biggest growth area for decommissioning is civilian nuclear power reactor which the peat accumulated.



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Decommissioning typically generates two-thirds of all the very low, low, and intermediate level waste produced during a reactor’s lifetime. As the number of nuclear power plants scheduled for decommissioning grows, countries need to be prepared to handle these levels of waste. The scale of the task ahead will require national and international regulation, extensive funding, innovative technology and large numbers of trained workers. One lesson that begins to emerge is that nuclear power plants should be designed from the start for safe and efficient decommissioning

Radioactive waste management and disposal

Decommissioning generates waste that can be categorized as low, intermediate and high level nuclear waste. Although the radioactive waste volumes are relatively small, high level waste contains 95 per cent of the radioactivity in waste from the nuclear power industry. It will need to be kept isolated for thousands of years


Social Human rights abuses

Rare metal ores (tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold) extraction, transport or trade

Rare metal ores (ores rich in tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold), are used to make a range of routine high-tech goods for sale worldwide, such as laptops, mobile phones and light-bulbs. Serious abuses are associated with the extraction, transport or trade in minerals


Labor conditions Employee training and development

EC1 LA1, LA2, LA4, LA5, LA7, LA8, LA10, LA13, LA14 HR2, HR3, HR5 SO3 Employees are one of our most significant stakeholders.



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They cover important aspects of Gold Fields key values in alignment with our Code of Ethics. They support other strategic initiatives that support the reporting of these indicators eg. DJSI, World Gold Council, Voluntary Principles on Human Rights and Security, UNGC and other related initiatives.

Labor management relations

Employee relations

EC1 LA1, LA2, LA4, LA5, LA7, LA8, LA10, LA13, LA14 HR2, HR3, HR5 SO3 Employees are one of our most significant stakeholders. They cover important aspects of Gold Fields key values in alignment with our Code of Ethics. They support other strategic initiatives that support the reporting of these indicators eg. DJSI, World Gold Council, Voluntary Principles on Human Rights and Security, UNGC and other related initiatives.


Other Corporate governance

Employee participation

In South Africa, the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act aims to change corporate ownership in favour of marginalised black or minority communities. Companies such as Anglo Platinum (AngloAmerican Group) and Lonmin have designed and put in place plans to implement the BEE through employee share ownership (ESOP) plans and supplier preference and local sourcing schemes.

479 Business

Reserves The main sustainability issue facing the mining industry is that of declining ore grades which implies that, over time, more mineral ore needs to be extracted and processed in order to produce the same amount of



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metal. This is likely to exacerbate many of the environmental and social issues facing the mining & metals industry going forward. Prominent environmental issues include mineral waste management as well as the management of key inputs such as energy and water.

* GRI Sector Guidance

1 All references can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx



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References

All references can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx

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Available at: http://worldsteel.org/steel-by-topic/sustainable-steel.html

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* GRI Sector Guidance

° Resource available on request and/or for a fee.

Documents

Mining 4 - Mining – Coal 5 - Mining – Iron, Aluminum, Other Metals