AusIMM is committed to fostering the social responsibility of its membership.

Collectively, AusIMM’s Royal Charter, its Code of Ethics, this Public Statement and the defined Area of Practice descriptors for Environmental and Social Performance Chartered Professionals comprise the AusIMM Social Responsibility Framework. AusIMM expects all its members, on a basis of mutual understanding, respect, and commitment, to consciously regard the wellbeing of communities and societies affected by their work.

AusIMM’s Royal Charter references community considerations and the Code of Ethics states ‘The purpose of the Institute is to advance the sciences applying to the minerals industry for the benefit of the community’. This means members must be aware of and consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors in their professional work. ESG factors include specific non-negotiable mandatory legal requirements and those contained in well-established global sustainability principles, standards and guidance applicable to minerals sector enterprise activity, including the:

• International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) 10 Principles
• Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) Enduring Value Principles
• Australian Government Leading Practice Handbooks for sustainable mining
• International Finance Corporation (IFC) Sustainability Framework and Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability
• The Equator Principles
• United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• Voluntary Principles of Security and Human Rights (VPSHR)
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
• OECD Due Diligence Guide for Responsible Business Conduct
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

AusIMM members should exercise ESG due diligence at three levels.

Level 1

Awareness of all members of AusIMM's Code of Ethics and the existence of global ESG-related principles, standards and guidance, and the likely consequences of work activities on communities and broader society. This can involve participating in relevant cultural induction and awareness training, demonstrating consistent good behaviour appropriate to local context and workplace codes of conduct; and undertaking professional work with personal accountability for good health, safety, environmental and social outcomes.

Level 2

Understanding by members in leadership roles of how they can contribute to minimising harm and maximising value to affected communities and broader society by reference to global ESG-related principles, standards and guidance, managed effectively through workplace systems, procedures, and behaviours. This includes the identification of environmental and social uncertainties, threats and opportunities through risk assessment, and designing and executing work to gain broad-based support for resource development and operations

Level 3

Competence by members who have accountability in Environmental and Social Performance Areas of Practice, demonstrated through professional qualification, experience and a working knowledge of jurisdictional requirements, workplace systems and procedures, relevant global principles, standards and guidance, and potential JORC modifying factors. Greater detail is set out in the AusIMM Environmental and Social Performance Chartered Professional guidelines.