International frameworks such as the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) play pivotal roles in guiding mining sustainability by setting standards, promoting transparency, and aligning mining activities with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Role of ICMM in mining sustainability
The ICMM is a collaborative organization of leading mining companies focused on strengthening the industry’s contribution to sustainable development. It promotes responsible mining practices through its Mining Principles, emphasizing safe, fair, and environmentally and socially responsible operations. ICMM members commit to goals such as net-zero emissions by 2050, decarbonizing mining operations, waste reduction, water use optimization, and circular economy practices. ICMM also aligns mining with the SDGs by addressing critical areas like energy transition, economic growth, and community well-being, ensuring mining supports poverty reduction while minimizing environmental impact [1].
Role of GRI in mining sustainability
GRI provides standardized sustainability reporting to enable mining companies to transparently disclose their environmental and social impacts. The newly launched GRI 14: Mining Sector 2024 standard, effective January 2026, covers 25 material topics, including emissions, waste, biodiversity, human rights, community engagement, tailings management, and operating in conflict zones. This framework helps mining organizations improve stakeholder communication, build trust with communities, and ensure comparable sustainability performance across the sector [2].
Role of UN SDGs in mining sustainability
The UN SDGs provide a global framework of 17 goals to address major social and environmental challenges by 2030. Mining intersects multiple SDGs by providing essential minerals for clean energy and infrastructure while needing to manage its environmental footprint responsibly. The mining sector is encouraged to prioritize SDG targets related to poverty reduction, clean water, responsible consumption, and governance. The integration of SDGs in mining promotes stakeholder engagement, environmental governance, and social responsibility across all mining phases, ensuring that mining activities contribute positively to sustainable development [3], [4].
In summary, these international frameworks collectively guide the mining industry toward sustainability by defining principles and standards, fostering transparency, and linking mining operations to broader sustainable development goals. They help balance mining’s economic benefits with minimizing environmental harm and enhancing social outcomes.
Reference
[1] “ICMM – Responsible Mining.” Accessed: Sep. 03, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/mining-metals/responsible-mining
[2] “GRI Launches Sustainability Reporting Standard for Mining Sector – ESG Today.” Accessed: Sep. 03, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.esgtoday.com/gri-launches-sustainability-reporting-standard-for-mining-sector/
[3] “ICMM – Supporting Sustainable Development through Mining and Metals.” Accessed: Sep. 03, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/our-work/sustainable-development-goals
[4] A. O. Omotehinse and G. De Tomi, “Mining and the sustainable development goals: Prioritizing SDG targets for proper environmental governance,” Ambio, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 229–241, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.1007/s13280-022-01775-3.
