Mining companies have been urged to create an ‘international indigenous peoples organization’ to advise them on local sensitivities when planning new ventures.
The idea has been put forward in a report commissioned by the mining industry to help determine its future policy and practice in the field of corporate social responsibility.
It says an indigenous peoples organization could ‘strategically advise, direct and monitor industry performance in the arena of indigenous relations’. The report, which contains the findings of a two-year research project on how the mining and minerals industry can contribute to sustainable development, also says the mining sector should consider creating a stakeholder forum that would aim to achieve a consensus on which areas were off-limits to mining companies.
It adds that the companies should consider making a joint ‘declaration on sustainable development’, detail how they intend to achieve any aims agreed and put in place auditing mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Breaking new ground has been produced as part of the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development project set up by 30 mining sector members of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, including Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Freeport-McMoRan, Newmont, Placer Dome, Rio Tinto and WMC.
The industry will now respond to the recommendations made by the International Institute on Environment and Development, and produce an action plan.