The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), a leading global mining industry organisation that includes some of the world’s largest and most influential mining companies, has released a new Indigenous Peoples Position Statement.
Established in October 2001, the ICMM aims to enhance ethical, environmental, and social performance within the mining and resources sector, while building trust and collaboration with external stakeholders.
The refreshed and contemporised Indigenous Peoples position statement represents the third update since the original in 2008, following a revision in 2013. The new statement nudges ICMM members toward higher environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and commits them to a more respectful, inclusive and rights-based approach to Indigenous communities.
Developed over two years, the new position statement was drafted in collaboration with Indigenous participants, human rights experts, legal professionals, and member companies. Aligned with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the ICMM now expects member companies to conduct thorough due diligence, improve cultural heritage protection and management, engage with Indigenous communities early on, and ensure that benefit-sharing reflects their aspirations.
Speaking recently, ICMM CEO and president Rohitesh Dhawan says these important commitments reinforce the ICMM’s dedication to respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, participating in meaningful engagement, and supporting the fair and equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the development of mining projects and activities on their lands and territories.
“With these revisions, we hope to provide much-needed clarity on the role of companies, alongside States, to contribute to the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples in decisions that affect them.
“Alongside many positive examples of respectful and enduring partnerships that have advanced the social and economic development of Indigenous Peoples, we recognise that in some instances, mining activities have harmed their rights,” he said.
However, some advocacy groups, including the Securing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in the Green Economy (SIRGE) Coalition and the Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (REP), have canned the statement; they argue the commitments are loose and still do not fully guarantee Indigenous rights. They have called upon the ICMM and its member companies to make Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) a minimum, non-negotiable requirement for all mining projects.
Other critics highlight that compliance with the ICCM statement principles are voluntary and lacking enforcement penalties. Without establishing mandatory measures, they contend the mining industry will still significantly and negatively impact Indigenous rights and interests, particularly as global demand for critical minerals increases.
Adam C Lees is a Yadhaigana (Cape York), Meriam man, and Director of New Moon Consulting. He has over twenty years of global experience in the resources and energy sector.
