Mining Giants Unite for Groundbreaking ESG Standard

In a significant move for the global mining sector, a coalition of industry associations has unveiled plans for a comprehensive ESG standard. The initiative, known as the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative, aims to streamline existing sustainability frameworks and broaden their applicability across the sector.

The programme's developers have initiated a 60-day public consultation period, seeking input from stakeholders across the mining value chain. This collaborative effort brings together nearly 100 companies, representing a substantial portion of the global mining industry.

ESG standards have become increasingly crucial for mining operations worldwide, as shareholders and consumers demand greater accountability in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The proposed standard seeks to address these concerns by providing a unified framework that can be implemented across various mining operations, regardless of size or geographical location.

Copper Mark in ESG standardisation efforts

At the forefront of this initiative is the Copper Mark, a voluntary global programme established in 2019. The Copper Mark aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promotes responsible practices in the production chains of copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc.

As part of the new standard's development, the Copper Mark is set to evolve into an independent entity overseeing the programme's maintenance, subject to the ongoing consultation and a subsequent review in 2025.

The Mining Association of Canada, a national organisation representing the Canadian mining industry, and the International Council on Mining and Metals, whose members include major metals and mining groups, are also key contributors to the initiative.

The World Gold Council, an industry body representing global gold miners, rounds out the coalition of leading organisations driving this standardisation effort.

Also involved is the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), a CEO-led leadership organisation that aims to improve sustainable development in the mining and metals industry. 

Copper Mark Executive Director Michèle Brülhart says: "This collaborative approach allows us to leverage the expertise of various industry bodies, ensuring that the new standard addresses the diverse challenges faced by mining operations worldwide."

Wide-ranging impact of new mining ESG standard

Once finalised, the Consolidated Mining Standard is expected to be adopted by members of the participating associations and Copper Mark participants.

This broad implementation could potentially cover almost 100 mining companies across approximately 600 operations in around 60 countries, making it the most widely adopted voluntary mining standard to date.

Pierre Gratton, President of the Mining Association of Canada, reveals: "The proposed standard will provide a clear, consistent framework for assessing and improving ESG performance across the mining sector. This level of standardisation is crucial for driving meaningful progress in sustainability practices."

The initiative comes at a time when the mining industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental and social impacts. By consolidating existing standards and broadening their applicability, the programme aims to simplify compliance processes while maintaining robust ESG criteria.

The public consultation period, which runs until 16 December, provides an opportunity for industry stakeholders, environmental groups, and local communities to contribute to the development of the new standard. Following this initial consultation, a shorter review period is planned for 2025 to refine and finalise the framework.

As the mining industry grapples with the challenges of sustainable resource extraction, initiatives like the Consolidated Mining Standard are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the sector's future.

A World Gold Council spokesperson added: "By working together to establish a comprehensive, industry-wide ESG standard, we're not just improving our sustainability practices – we're securing the long-term viability of the mining sector in a world that increasingly demands responsible resource management."