A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

Leading Practice
The handbooks in the Leading Practice Sustainable Development in Mining series
integrate environmental, economic and social aspects through all phases of
mineral production from exploration through construction, operation and minesite
closure. The concept of leading practice is simply the best possible way of
conducting activities for a given site. As new challenges emerge and new solutions
are developed, or better solutions are devised for existing issues, it is important that
leading practice be flexible and innovative in developing solutions that match sitespecific
requirements. Although there are underpinning principles, leading practice
is as much about approach and attitude as it is about a fixed set of practices or a
particular technology.
Leading practice sustainable development management is an evolving discipline.
As new problems emerge and new solutions are developed, or better solutions are
devised for existing problems, it is important that leading practice be flexible in
developing solutions that meet site-specific requirements. While recognising that
companies must consistently, as a minimum meet legislative requirements, it also
expects them to go beyond the minimum. Leading practice is an evolving target—it
is adaptive to changing standards and situations that are frequently encountered in
major mining operations.
Leading practice systems seek to manage financial and sovereign risk by considering
and engaging all stakeholders so that outcomes are expressed not just as the
financial bottom line but rather holistically, ensuring positive financial, social, safety,
efficiency and environmental outcomes for all stakeholders. A long-term timeframe
is considered so that potential adverse outcomes are managed in both the short
and long terms. Consideration of long-term outcomes is particularly challenging
as the predictive data sets may be incomplete, a number of variables may modify
the outcomes, and actual outcomes may not be fully understood or predicted.
Nevertheless, leading practice demands that a best estimate of future impact is
periodically reassessed and reasonable steps are taken to implement financially,
socially and environmentally appropriate outcomes. The level of precision of such
estimates also needs to be communicated.
A key feature is the measurement of variables and performance outcomes to identify
potential modifications to the processes for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.
Leading practice includes a program to monitor inputs, processes and outputs.
This information is incorporated in one or a number of managements systems. This
may be incorporated in existing management systems such as safety management
systems, environment systems and quality systems.
Leading practice includes being able to identify and manage competent technologists
and communicators and ensure that they participate in programs to maintain their
competence. A peer review process is important to ensure leading practice evolves
with changing technology and social expectations and standards.
A GUIDE TO LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MINING 17