Indigenous People and Mining: good practice guide (2015), ICMM.
Mining deposits intersect with the traditional
lands of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
In Australia, for example, it has been estimated
by the Minerals Council of Australia that 60 per
cent of mining operations neighbour Aboriginal
communities.
Mining companies that are
responsive to Indigenous Peoples’ aspirations
for development are not only more likely to
successfully contribute to sustainable and
equitable outcomes, but also gain community
support and build a positive reputation in a
region or country that improves access to future
resources. In addition, companies that adopt
good practice in relation to interactions with
Indigenous Peoples are likely to be considered
as ‘responsible companies’ which in turn, has
reputational benefits. Also Importantly, it is
now widely accepted that companies have a
responsibility to respect human rights, including
the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
This Guide presents an updated version of
ICMM’s 2010 Good Practice Guide Indigenous
Peoples and mining. Like the earlier version of
the Guide, it is intended as a good practice
resource for mining companies and others with
an interest in ensuring that mining projects
bring long-term mutual benefits to companies
and host communities.