The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples with an updated statement on Indigenous Peoples and Mining. The announcement was made on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the significant role played by Indigenous communities as partners in mining projects on their lands and territories.
The revised statement emphasizes the importance of obtaining consent from Indigenous Peoples regarding any potential impacts on their rights. This consent should be secured through thorough human rights due diligence and early, meaningful engagement. These steps highlight a company’s duty to respect Indigenous rights, independent of the State’s obligation to obtain free, prior, and informed consent before approving projects that may affect Indigenous lands and resources.
This update is particularly timely, given the world’s ongoing energy transition. The University of Queensland reports that 54% of critical mineral mining projects are located on or near Indigenous lands. This proximity brings the issue to the forefront, especially as Indigenous communities face increasing challenges to their rights and ways of life due to climate change, biodiversity loss, and expanding industrial development, including mining.
The updated Position Statement also outlines steps companies should take if an agreement with Indigenous communities cannot be reached, even if the State has granted permission for a project to proceed. This clarification addresses a significant gap in previous protocols, providing a clearer path forward in cases of conflict or disagreement.
Developed over more than two years, the revised Position Statement involved extensive consultations with Indigenous representatives, human rights experts, legal authorities, and leaders within the ICMM. Their contributions were crucial in shaping the nine commitments detailed in the statement, which aim to strengthen the relationship between mining companies and Indigenous communities.
Tom Palmer, CEO of Newmont and Chair of ICMM’s Social Performance Council Advisory Group, emphasized the significance of the update. “The revised Indigenous Peoples and Mining Position Statement brings much more rigor to the expectations of ICMM member companies. It guides how we, as an industry, engage, understand, and respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Palmer said. He added that these commitments lay the groundwork for lasting relationships built on transparency, trust, and mutual benefit.
ICMM President Rohitesh Dhawan echoed these sentiments, noting that the updated commitments reinforce the Council’s dedication to respecting Indigenous rights. “These commitments underscore our pledge to engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities and support their fair and equitable participation in the development of mining projects on their lands,” Dhawan said.
This update arrives at a time when Indigenous communities are increasingly asserting their rights and demanding greater involvement in decisions affecting their lands. The mining industry, which often operates in remote areas rich in natural resources, has faced criticism for its impact on Indigenous territories. However, the ICMM’s renewed commitment signals a shift toward more responsible and inclusive practices in the sector.
The ICMM’s new commitments aim to set a higher standard for the mining industry, ensuring that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are not only acknowledged but actively protected. By doing so, the ICMM hopes to foster a more sustainable and equitable future for both the mining industry and the Indigenous communities whose lands are at the heart of these projects.
Source: Mining.com
