The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released its 2008 Annual Review – Embracing Change. October saw appointment of a new ICMM President – Anthony Hodge as well as a new Chairman, Richard Adkerson (also President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold). In spite of the recent financial tumult, the ICMM said that “[its] members reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to the sustainable development agenda. ICMM is using this time to refresh its vision, mandate and priorities, and streamline its operations.”

Chairman, Adkerson said: “We are conducting a strategic review that will help us to develop priorities as we move forward in challenging economic times so that we continue to enhance sustainable development practices, communicate our successes and challenges to the broader industry, and ensure that our programs and priorities evolve to meet the needs of a changing industry.”

In embracing the task ahead, ICMM President Anthony Hodge said, “the culture of the mining and metals industry is one of competition. However, ICMM members have come to understand that on certain issues – including many of the environmental and social issues that are gathered under the banner of sustainability – it is collaboration and not competition that is needed. More than ever before, we need to pool our resources and strongly position the industry as part of the solution as we move through these tough times.”

In 2008 ICMM released an upgraded procedure that sets out how member companies can formally assure both performance against ICMM’s 10 principles, as well as their GRI reporting requirements. It also published a Mine Closure Toolkit, a Good Practice Guidance on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and issued a position statement on mining and indigenous peoples. Work has also progressed on chemicals management, and a preliminary report from a study on minerals taxation regimes was published.

A full copy of the annual review is available on www.icmm.com/annualreview