New guidance on how mining companies can help achieve the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been published on the International Council on Mining and Minerals (ICMM) website at www.icmm.com/sdg

Tom Butler, ICMM’s CEO said: “Our new guidance helps mining companies look at the contributions that they can make to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals across their operations.

“There is great alignment between ICMM’s 10 principles for sustainable mining and the SDGs. With our strong focus on sustainable development, ICMM believes that the mining and metals industry can make a positive contribution to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.” he added.

Adopted at a special UN Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015, the SDGs are a set of 17 individual goals that aim to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for all. Member states are expected to use these goals to frame their development agendas for the next 15 years.

When launching the SDGs, the UN explicitly recognised the important role business must play if the goals are to be realised.

ICMM has mapped how its 10 principles that underpin sustainable development in the mining industry intersect the SDGs. ICMMs principles include pledges to protect biodiversity, respect human rights, and contribute to the sustainable development of host countries (see image).

Aidan Davy, ICMM’s Chief Operations Officer said: “I accept that achieving the SDGs won’t be easy – but thinking though how your company can help need not be difficult. The most important thing is to understand where your business or organisation can have the most impact on the SDGs and start there.

“At ICMM, we are working with WWF on water policy, IUCN on biodiversity, and EITI on transparency and good governance. We are determined that the mining and metals industry will be part of the solution in tackling the biggest issues facing society and is committed to playing its part.”