Environmental and Social Policy

The future of the mining industry is inseparable from the global pursuit of sustainable development. The idea of meeting the needs of this generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs has become a key concept in the drive to maintain and enhance industry's contribution to society.

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has established a Environmental and Social Policy Committee to better serve its member companies who are actively engaged in the effective integration of the environmental, social and wealth creation elements of minerals resource development, and recognise this as the key to operationalising sustainable development.

The MCA's work in the sustainable development area is designed to achieve two overarching goals:

• An Australian minerals industry enhancing value for stakeholders and the broader community through sustainable practices; and
• Commitment by the Australian minerals industry to sustainable development through wealth creation, environmental leadership and socially responsible development, which is acknowledged by key stakeholders and decision-makers.

A number of objectives underpin these goals. These include:

• Industry awareness and effective uptake of sustainable development goals;
• Minerals industry leadership in environmental practices and performance based on continual improvement and excellence;
• Continual improvement in socially responsible minerals development; and
• Progressively increased credibility and awareness of the industry's sustainable development activities.