The new metals and mining company, South32 – formed by BHP Billiton splitting into two distinct companies – has been welcomed as a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
An independent expert review panel recommended the company. The panel conducted a process that carefully examined the applicant’s capacity to fully follow ICMM standards of responsible, social and environmental performance in mining and metals operations.
Mark Cutifani, Chair of ICMM and CEO of Anglo American, commented: “The leadership of the new company has been engaged in the rigorous ICMM admission process since launching plans to demerge. The commitment of South32 to the principles of ICMM is anchored in the benefit of adopting many of the systems and processes that it inherits from BHP Billiton to make a strong and broad contribution to society.”
South32 CEO, Graham Kerr, believes membership in ICMM will provide long-term benefits for the company and its stakeholders. He said: “We are delighted to join ICMM, especially at this early stage in the company’s life. South32 is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our people and delivering shared value for society. We aim to be a business that lives by its values – care, trust, togetherness and excellence,” Kerr continued: “We believe ICMM is an important forum for the engagement and advocacy that is required to build a sustainable future for South32.”
Edited from Press Release by Harleigh Hobbs