Sustainable Development Framework
Our Sustainable Development (SD) Framework is designed to ensure that we manage all our operations and projects to the highest international and leading practice standards, through:
- our Statement of Business Principles, SD Policy and SD Standards coupled with a rigorous assurance process
- an approach that includes SD risk management within our broader enterprise risk management
- a SD strategy and planning process that is fully integrated with our operational and business strategy and planning process
Our SD Framework applies across all commodity businesses, ensuring compliance with common principles, policy and standards. The Group General Manager, Sustainability, who reports to the Group Chief Executive Officer, oversees the implementation and periodic review and updating of the SD Framework.
The SD Framework provides a structure for implementing, reviewing and improving how we manage sustainability. It is supported by a detailed set of SD Standards. It incorporates a precautionary philosophy and is aligned with international standards including:
- The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) sustainability principles and guidelines
- The UN Global Compact
- Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
- ISO 31000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
Ethical framework
In response to a tightening global regulatory environment for bribery and corruption, and in view of the ethical risks faced by diversified global mining and metals companies, we have taken actions to strengthen our management and assurance of ethical risks. This includes developing a global Bribery, Fraud and Corruption Policy, Third Party Due Diligence Standards and a global Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct provides detailed guidance on the conduct we expect of all employees, contractors, agents and other third parties who work for or on our behalf. The Code consolidates other relevant policies or guidelines, providing a single document that encompasses our requirements for the conduct of its officers, employees and associates.
Ensuring consistent implementation
We believe our devolved management structure and culture support entrepreneurial leadership. This is balanced with a rigorous approach to risk management and a strong framework for the sustainable development of our business. Clear governance and effective communication across the Group are essential for our management model to function effectively and to ensure consistently high standards of ethics and sustainable development performance.
Each business is governed by a commodity business board, which includes either the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer. They also each have an executive level SD committee, chaired by the commodity business chief executive, to provide additional focus and guidance on sustainable development strategy and issues.
