The Mining Certification Evaluation Project has released its first
working paper exploring whether independent third party certification of
environmental, social and economic performance of mine sites could be
feasible.
This research project aims to evaluate whether independent, third-party certification could be applied to mine sites. The project will seek to develop principles and standards for social and environmental performance, and evaluate a model through site trials in Australia.
To our knowledge, it is the first major attempt to address the issue of certifying on-ground performance in the mining sector. It has attracted the support and participation of BHP Billiton, CSIRO, Newmont, Placer Dome, Rio Tinto, WMC and WWF.
Project governance
A broad dialogue with a range of the mining industrys stakeholders is important for the robust development and evaluation of the projects ideas. The Project Team managing the MCEP consists of three staff: two from WWF and one from CSIRO.
A Working Group of seventeen people has been formed to bring together perspectives from mining companies, NGOs, government, academia, labour and other agencies. The Working Group will be the key forum for discussion and debate as the project progresses.
A Contact List for the project will receive regular updates on the project, and the opportunity to comment on Options papers. Membership of this list is open to any interested party.
