Prizma

As noted earlier, GRI and ICMM launched the new GRI Metals and Mining Sector Supplement during the annual mining convention of PDAC in early March 2010. The new Sector Supplement integrated many references to the IFC Performance Standards and suggests increasing convergence amongst these internationally recognized guidelines. (more…)

In its article ‘Barrick target of yellow journalism’ the Canadian Mining Journal (CMJ) dissects the evolution of a  story about one of Barrick Gold’s projects, which started with the eye catching headline: “Deadly toxin invades Barrick’s Dominican gold mine, Thousands hospitalized.” (more…)

The IFC Performance Standards require that projects with potentially significant impacts conduct ‘Free, Prior, Informed Consultation’ (FPIC) and demonstrate ‘Broad Community Support’ (BCS). Will these requirements move towards the concept of ‘Consent’ particularly in the context of Indigenous Peoples? (more…)

On March 6, 2010, the Canadian CSR Councilor, Marketa Evans, delivered her key note speech on 21^st Century CSR at the Mining, People and Environment event which preceded the Prospector & Developer Association of Canada’s (PDAC) convention in Toronto. Her comments provided some food for thought and raised interesting discussions. (more…)

On March 7 2010, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) launched its Mining & Metals Sector Supplement (MMSS) during the Prospector & Developer Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto. Can MMSS indicators change approach to determination of GRI Application Levels of sustainability reports? (more…)

The Toronto Stock Exchange is a world leader in the resources sector and home to 55% of the world’s public mining companies. I was wondering how many of these public firms produce formal CSR and/or GRI-type sustainability reports? (more…)

The IFC Performance Standards on Social & Environmental Sustainability have emerged as the de facto benchmark for developing and financing responsible extractive projects in emerging markets. The Canadian government’s March 2009 CSR Strategy for the Canadian International Extractive Sector, Building the Canadian Advantage, also includes the IFC Performance Standards. In this article, I review the genesis, significance and key challenges associated with the IFC Performance Standards, using also input from participants of over 20 workshops and training courses delivered in Canada, China, Panama, Peru, UK and Venezuela since 2006. (more…)