MMG was founded in 2009 with a vision to become the world’s most respected diversified base metals company.

We operate and develop copper, zinc and other base metals projects across Australia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lao PDR and Peru and also have significant exploration projects and partnerships across Australia, Africa and the Americas.

Working in partnership with our major shareholder – China Minmetals – our objective is to become a top mid-tier miner by 2020. We will achieve this by developing our people, by making investments in improving local capability and by delivering value to our shareholders.

In all we do, we are guided by our Code of Conduct and our values of thinking safety first, respecting each other, working together, doing what we say and wanting to be better.

Our long-term outlook, our pride in mining, our commitment to shared international standards and our respect for people, land and culture underpin our success.

We aim to positively contribute to the economic growth and development of the communities in which we operate, and this is what we mean when we say we mine for progress.

Across the globe, there are many organisations that provide information on how companies, communities and governments can work together. This information includes sets of expectations – or principles – to guide the activities of companies.

As mines are located in many countries with diverse cultures, laws and needs, international principles can help companies develop common ways of working with communities, employees, shareholders, governments and the environment.

At MMG, our work aligns to international principles — from the safety and health of our people, communities and operations, to respect for land and culture, managing the environment, and our social development programs.

As a member of the International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM), we support the ICMM’s Ten Principles on Sustainable Development. We produce sustainability and annual reports every year and we are committed to continuous improvement.

In our activities, we consider the following international principles and guidelines: International Labour Organisation 8 Core Conventions, United Nations Global Compact, ISO Standards, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and International Finance Corporation Principles.

View MMG’s Human Rights and Security statements.

Mining is often the largest industry in remote or rural regions and operations can impact nearby communities. Companies manage these impacts by demonstrating respect for people, land and culture.  Engaging with communities is a priority for MMG.

MMG applies the principle of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) when seeking permission to undertake mining-related activities. FPIC protects the cultural and land-related rights communities have to areas companies may mine.

It is important to understand the views of traditional land owners, minority groups, and neighbouring townships to set priorities for social investment. MMG undertakes research – called social impact assessments and management plans – with experts, to identify local needs, and actions required to preserve traditions. As part of our commitment to local communities, we support a number of cultural events and community infrastructure projects.

Our communication with local stakeholders is focused on building long-term relationships with communities. MMG community engagement specialists speak to residents regularly. This can include holding town meetings to discuss significant issues, making sure there is a community centre members can go to for information, and involving partners such as universities, community groups and NGOs in community programs.

View MMG’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Risks statement.

Laws and regulations guide the purchase and use of land and water resources for mining and are informed by international principles on how the environment should be managed.  To receive permission to mine, companies must apply to governments to receive approval in the form of contracts called permits.

Companies must undertake detailed scientific, social, environmental and economic research and community engagement. At MMG, we engage relevant groups in a respectful manner to seek their agreement to purchase or access land.

Environmental management plans outline how land and water will be managed and include rehabilitation of land, and biodiversity and cultural heritage conservation.

Our focus is to improve the quality of life for communities during mine operation and following closure. We work with local communities who have a land-based culture, to support their continued connections.

The mining industry recognises that water is essential to communities and biodiversity and that it is a shared resource. Mining requires large amounts of water to process the ore mined and we seek to manage consumption responsibly. At MMG, we reuse and recycle water as much as possible.

Mining can foster economic development in regions with differing populations, sources of employment and income, education, infrastructure, culture and traditions, and health and wellbeing.

For mining companies to operate safely and successfully, they must have a trained and local workforce; good roads and rail to transport ore to ports for shipping; and access to food supply and services (known as a supply chain).  There are often gaps in the availability of labour, services and infrastructure needed for companies and communities alike.

MMG undertakes assessments of potential impacts (positive and negative) of mining activities, and identifies community investment opportunities and partners we can work with. Community investment is linked to both business imperatives and local goals. These strategies are developed through balancing community, government and shareholder needs.

We support a range of programs that contribute to economic and social progress, which may also be contractually required by governments as part of the mining approval process, and require partnerships for successful results.

Partners on the ground advise on and lead practical and appropriate programs and help us to deliver our commitments. We also partner with NGOs, civil society groups, universities and research institutions, and government agencies that are well placed to meet mutual objectives.