Polyus Gold International, Russia’s foremost gold producer and one of the 10 biggest gold miners in the world, was welcomed as a member of ICMM after completing the rigorous admission process. Polyus Gold, which is listed on the London and Moscow Stock Exchanges, operates in the abundant gold regions of Eastern Siberia and the Far East of Russia. The company produced 1.696 Moz of gold in 2014. It holds one of the world’s largest gold reserves with 65.8 Moz of Proven and Probable gold reserves underpinning the Polyus Gold’s strong growth profile (3% increase in gold production in 2014 to 2013).
Also, the new globally diversified metals and mining company, South32, has been welcomed as a member. South32 was formed following a decision to separate BHP Billiton into two distinct companies, bringing a proud heritage of responsible social and environmental performance which it acquired prior to the demerger.
ICMM Chair Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, warmly welcomed Polyus Gold into the membership. “The addition of Polyus Gold will bring new perspectives to ICMM, and sends a positive signal of progress towards responsible practice in the Russian mining industry,” said Cutifani.
Polyus Gold was recommended for membership by an independent expert review panel in a process that closely scrutinises the adherence of the applicant company to responsible social and environmental performance in mining and metals operations.
“We are pleased to join the International Council on Mining and Metals,” said Polyus Gold CEO Pavel Grachev. “ICMM membership provides us with access to the industry’s best practices in sustainable development, as well as enabling us to pass on our expertise and experience to other members. The work undertaken to gain membership underlines our commitment to sustainable mining.”
Cutifani welcomed South32 as a new member and praised its credentials. “The leadership of the new company has been engaged in the rigorous ICMM admission process since launching plans to demerge. The commitment of South32 to the principles of ICMM is anchored in the benefit of adopting many of the systems and processes that it inherits from BHP Billiton to make a strong and broad contribution to society.”
South32 Chief Executive Graham Kerr believes membership in ICMM will deliver long-term benefits for the company and its stakeholders. “We are delighted to join ICMM, especially at this early stage in the company’s life. South32 is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our people and delivering shared value for society. We aim to be a business that lives by its values – Care, Trust, Togetherness and Excellence,” Kerr said.
“We believe ICMM is an important forum for the engagement and advocacy that is required to build a sustainable future for South32.”
South32 has a portfolio of high quality assets producing alumina, aluminium, bauxite, thermal and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc. The company has operations across five countries with 27,000 employees and contractors worldwide.
