Beyond the finances/Sustainable development is critical to financial success

摘要

PROFIT and sustainable development, rather than being separate concerns in mining, are actually inextricably linked: if good financial returns are to be maintained over the long run, if money is to be made in mining today, then the challenges of sustainable development need to be tackled seriously. Why? Because unless we are proactive in this respect our licence to operate will be undermined, and both our current activities and future opportunities to make money will be increasingly constrain ed by restrictive policies and regulations. The organisation of which I am secretary general, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), has a particular interest in this area. Our membership comprises many of the world's leading mining and metals companies, as well as numerous commodity and regional associations. What we were set up to do (in 2001) is to demonstrate the industry's ability to contribute to sustainable development. We do this through a combination of engagement and advocacy, identifying and communicating good practice, as well as offering general strategic leadership on sustainable development issues.