GMI conference - a great work in progress

摘要

Sir Robert Wilson, chair of the Global Mining Initiative (GMI) and chairman of Rio Tinto described it as "an historic opportunity," Doug Yearley, chairman of the International Council for Mining and Metals (ICMM) and chairman emeritus Phelps Dodge, as "a once in a lifetime opportunity, the most important event in a 42-year career." The GMI conference in Toronto in May was certainly a milestone, and exceeded most participants' expectations. The focus was the Mining Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) report (Breaking New Ground) on the issues facing our industry with pointers to how they could be addressed. On closing the conference, Sir Robert's view was "that this has been a very stimulating and successful experience. Is there anyone here, I wonder, who hasn't learned a lot over the last three days?" Praise for the event and the MMSD report came from the industry's detractors as well. For example, Stephen D'Esposito, president of the Mineral Policy Center and a previous executive director of Greenpeace International, was appreciative of the MMSD and the process. Fred Higgs, general secretary of the 20-million strong International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM) said, "we were listened to" and described the MMSD as "a balanced report that if taken seriously and acted upon can be a very important document." Alan Young, executive director of the Environmental Mining Council, Canada, also described the MMSD project as historic and recognised "much value in it." Oxfam Community Aid Abroad's Ingrid MacDonald, advocacy co-ordinator (Mining) said that "very good work had been done" by the MMSD. However, she did not consider that the MMSD report was a multi-stake-holder effort (regrettably true as many NGOs declined to take part as they saw the project as "industry lead"). However, some who did not participate in the MMSD project did then elect to attend the conference.