This text is part of the special section Mines and natural resources
The mining industry often gets bad press. The numerous environmental repercussions of its activities and the sometimes difficult relations with local populations, here and abroad, are regularly pointed out. It was to correct the mistakes that led to this reputation that the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) set up the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, which “helps mining companies assess and manage their environmental and social.
Since 2004, all members of the MAC — which represents about a quarter of production in the country — must compile data concerning the effects of their activities on the environment and communities. Measures are thus taken not only for mine tailings management and biodiversity conservation, but also for other indicators, such as relations with Aboriginal peoples and health and safety.
“I believe that the implementation of this initiative has contributed to greater transparency in the industry,” said Ben Chalmers, vice-president of the CMA. The dialogues are more constructive. We are also better at dealing with our problems. »
Concrete requirements
To comply with the TSM initiative, all MAC members must complete an annual self-assessment to measure their progress in environmental and social management. Every three years, an independent auditor confirms the accuracy of this self-assessment. The latter’s reports are then posted on the AMC’s website, leading to a rating ranging from C to AAA. The goal is, of course, to encourage companies to improve their performance in order to obtain a better rating.
For professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Building Engineering at Concordia University Catherine Mulligan, independent verification is the main asset of this initiative. “It’s a good first step. But the reports could be more explicit. It’s a system where you have to answer “yes” or “no”. But we could rather give concrete goals, for example by requiring the reduction of the emissions by a definite percentage. »
Ben Chalmers is delighted to see the concrete effects. “In 2006, only half of our members were able to meet our waste management standards. Today we are over 90%. And there’s no question of stopping on the way: the AMC has just updated its standards in order to pull the industry up. “We continue to raise the bar,” said the vice-president.
Historical aspirations
MAC has a long history of environmental initiatives. “His efforts have influenced mining development in Canada while underscoring the importance of public participation, accountability and environmental stewardship,” wrote three Canadian researchers in a 2011 article tracing the impact of mining. TSM initiative since its inception.
Concerned about negative prejudice towards its members, the association held a meeting in 1993, known as the “Whitehorse Mining Initiative”. Seated around the table are environmental activists, indigenous groups, labor unions, government officials and representatives of the mining industry. “It was a sea change for an industry best known for its individualistic, competitive and isolationist nature,” reads the 2011 article.
“The meeting was very innovative, but had little tangible effect,” says Ben Chalmers. Our Board of Directors wanted to do something to ensure that this dialogue leaves a legacy that propels the industry forward. A decade later, the CMA unveiled its TSM initiative.
World leader
Today, the CMA continues to adapt to new realities. It will soon introduce a new evaluation criterion measuring the level of equity, diversity and inclusion on mining sites. The initiative has also made small in the four corners of the world. Countries like Brazil, Finland and Australia now apply the same principles to their mining industry.
“Canada has an international reputation for being a country that tries to do good things,” says Catherine Mulligan. We have the opportunity to be leaders in this area and to help reverse the disasters caused in the past by Canadian companies. She is positive about the process put in place by the CMA, as long as the mining industry continues to aim higher.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.