Industry Associations
Who are they?
Industry associations include commodity-specific associations (for example, International Aluminium Institute) as well as sector-specific associations at national and international levels (such as the International Council on Mining and Metals).
Interests and Concerns
Industry associations are generally interested in a broad range of issues relating to the sector or a specific commodity. For example, they may advocate on key policy aspects relevant to the sector, which may be as diverse as environmental legislation, and establishing common safety standards, through to promotion of leading practice such as community relations.
Dialogue
We are committed to proactive involvement in a number of initiatives that contribute to improving the sustainability of the industry. Our individual businesses are also actively engaged through their sectoral organisations at national and international levels.
Some of the principal industry associations we are involved in at the commodity level include:
- International Aluminium Institute and Australian Aluminium Council
- Nickel Development Institute, International Nickel Study Group, Nickel Producers Environmental Research Association, Cobalt Development Institute, International Chromium Development Association and European Metals Association
- International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association Exploration and Production Forum, Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, Australian Gas Association and UK Offshore Operators Association
- World Coal Institute, Coal Institute Advisory Board and Australian Coal Association
- International Lead Zinc Study Group, International Lead and Zinc Research Organisation, International Lead Management Centre, Global Forum for the Lead Producing Industry, Lead Development Association International, Silver Research Consortium, and Advanced Lead Acid Battery Consortium
- Asian Copper Council, European Copper Institute, Copper Development Association, International Copper Association, and International Copper Study Group.
See below for further details on our activities with the following organisations:
International Council on Mining & Metals
We have continued to be active in the work program of the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM).
The ICMM was established in 2001 as a global leadership body on sustainable development. ICMM members believe that the mining, minerals and metals industry acting collectively can best ensure continued access to land, capital and markets as well as build trust and respect by demonstrating the ability to contribute successfully to sustainable development. ICMM members offer strategic industry leadership towards achieving continuous improvements in sustainable development performance in the industry. ICMM provides a common platform for the industry to share challenges and responsibilities as well as to engage
key constituencies on issues of common concern at the international level, based on the science and principles of sustainable development. ICMM's mission is underpinned by a commitment to good governance and transparent decision-making processes within the organisation.The ICMM has made substantial progress during the year on a range of projects. The release of the Global Reporting Initiative Mining and Metals Sector Supplement is particularly noteworthy as it has been used as the basis for the preparation of this report. All other ICMM members have also committed to use the supplement as a basis for their reporting. View a summary of ICMM’s work program and achievements during 2004 here.
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
We have maintained our membership of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
The WBCSD is a coalition of 175 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development. The WBCSD has a global network of 50 national and regional business councils and partner organisations located in more than 35 countries. Its mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change towards sustainable development and to promote the role of eco-efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility.
For the third year running, we have been a participant in the WBCSD Young Managers Team. The Young Managers Team is a program designed to provide a learning experience and networking opportunity for approximately 20 young high potential employees, interested in sustainable development and drawn from across a range of job functions, businesses and sectors.
The Young Managers Team 2005 includes participants from Japan, North and South Africa, South America, Australia and Europe and from a wide range of commercial sectors and functions. The focus of the program is to help move sustainability out of its specialist box into the mainstream by communicating beyond traditional boundaries.
Download a summary of all BHP Billiton Stakeholder Relationships.
