Respect human rights and the interests, cultures, customs and values of workers and communities affected by our activities.
Rights and Participation
Respecting human rights and Indigenous Peoples’ rights in mining is essential for ethical, sustainable development that protects communities, fosters trust, and delivers long-term benefits for all.
Respect for human rights underpins all of ICMM’s work and is central to achieving our purpose. ICMM members are committed to championing ethical mining by upholding human rights, guided by frameworks such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Recognising historical injustices, we foster trust-based relationships and amplify marginalised voices, driving inclusive decision-making throughout the lifecycle of mining projects.
Issue at a glance
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Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Businesses, wherever they operate, have a duty to uphold human rights in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). In mining, this means preventing abuses, avoiding infringements, and participating in remediation when necessary.
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Over half of mining projects critical to the energy transition are located on or near Indigenous lands. Mining affects land, water, and biodiversity – resources of unique value to Indigenous Peoples. Clear, robust processes are essential to respecting Indigenous rights and ensuring fair participation in decision-making.
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Indigenous Peoples – also known as First Peoples, Aboriginal Peoples, or Native Peoples – comprise over 5,000 groups and speak more than 4,000 languages. They have distinct social, economic, and political systems, cultures, and beliefs, and share a common history of oppression and marginalisation. Indigenous Peoples possess both individual and collective rights, which are internationally recognised and should be protected by governments and respected by companies.
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As demand for critical minerals rises, robust human rights due diligence is vital for a just transition. Companies must proactively assess and address actual and potential human rights impacts, track responses, and transparently communicate how they are managed.
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Effective grievance mechanisms are fundamental to accountability and rebuilding trust with host communities. While progress has been made in integrating the UNGPs, companies are at different stages. ICMM’s Human Rights Due Diligence Guidance supports the industry by outlining leading practices and evolving regulations.
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No single organisation can drive meaningful progress alone. ICMM is committed to working with governments, Indigenous Peoples, communities, civil society, and the financial sector to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms. Collaborative efforts are key to lasting improvements.
Meeting demand for materials while respecting rights
As renewable energy sources expand, demand for critical minerals like copper, nickel, and lithium will surge. This will require increased mining activity, making it essential for the industry to prioritise the voices and rights of impacted communities, groups, and underrepresented workers. Collaborative approaches involving diverse stakeholders and recognising their lived experiences are vital to ensure the just transition benefits all.
Key actions the industry can take:
- Manage Human Rights Risks: Undertake human rights due diligence through assessing actual and potential human rights impacts; integrating and acting on the findings; tracking and communicating how impacts are addressed.
- Engage Openly: Implement grievance mechanisms and inclusive local partnerships to amplify stakeholders' voices.
- Adopt Global Standards: Align with frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and our Mining Principles to uphold sustainability and ethical practices.
Our priorities
Upholding human rights must be a top priority for all industries, especially one as far-reaching as mining. By fostering collaboration, we can drive meaningful improvements in human rights outcomes for all.
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Develop tools and guidance to support industry implementation of existing commitments relating to human rights due diligence.
Supporting its Human Rights Due Diligence Guidance, updated in 2023-2024, ICMM will develop tools and guidance to support ongoing adoption of good practices relating to human rights.
- ICMM developed a series of tools between 2023 and 2024 to support members in undertaking human rights due diligence.
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Develop good practice guidance to support industry implementation of existing commitments relating to Indigenous Peoples
ICMM will engage with Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and other interested stakeholders to update our Indigenous Peoples and Mining: Good Practice Guide to bring it in line with external expectations, industry commitments and international regulation.
- ICMM launched its updated Position Statement: Indigenous Peoples in 2024 and will continue to engage with stakeholders as we develop associated good practice guidance.
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Support the industry to build practitioner capacity to implement existing commitments at the operational level
Through practitioner training ICMM will support the capacity of practitioners from across ICMM’s membership to implement commitments and guidance related to human rights and Indigenous Peoples. This training series will then be developed into a public train-the-trainer series for the wider industry to use and adapt for their needs.
- ICMM conducted two regional trainings in 2024, training over 100 practitioners on multiple topics related to human rights due diligence and implementing ICMM’s guidance.
Key resources
Associated member commitments
Principle 09: Social Performance
Pursue continual improvement in social performance and contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of host countries and communities.
Principle 10: Stakeholder Engagement
Proactively engage key stakeholders on sustainable development challenges and opportunities in an open and transparent manner, effectively report and independently verify progress and performance.
Position Statement: Indigenous Peoples
Building positive relationships between mining companies and Indigenous Peoples through respect, meaningful engagement and mutual benefit.
Position Statement: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This Position Statement sets out ICMM Members’ collective commitment to improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry and positively influencing the communities that we are a part of.
Latest updates
Supporting the SDGs
With our strong focus on sustainable development there is great potential for ICMM to support the mining and metals industry in making an important and lasting contribution towards the UN’s global goals. We work with members and partners to catalyse lasting social and economic progress that supports an end to poverty, protects the planet, and ensures prosperity for all.
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SDG 4: Quality education
Perceived inequities in the economic benefits of mining can lead to community opposition, particularly where education levels limit local participation in economic opportunities. By partnering with governments and institutions to enhance local capacity and investing in technical, vocational, and educational training, mining companies can help communities capitalise on opportunities. Such initiatives also strengthen relationships with host communities.
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SDG 5: Gender equality
The benefits and adverse impacts of mining are often distributed unequally, with men typically reaping economic rewards and women bearing disproportionate burdens, including, in extreme cases, violence. Mining companies must promote gender equality by recognising women’s property and resource rights, involving them in consultation and decision-making processes, and creating inclusive access to jobs and economic opportunities.
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SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
While mining has reduced poverty in many regions, inequality remains a challenge in resource-dependent economies. Companies can promote inclusion by hiring locally, supporting livelihood diversification, and ensuring equitable community engagement. Transparent decision-making and participatory approaches are vital to building trust and reducing disparities.
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SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions
Mining companies can support peaceful societies by respecting human rights, ensuring transparency, and managing security responsibly. Effective mechanisms for addressing grievances and promoting community participation are essential. Companies can also combat illicit financial flows and strengthen institutions by adhering to robust disclosure and reporting practices.
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Mining companies bring significant expertise to partnerships that address sustainable development challenges. Sharing these experiences can inspire further collaboration and demonstrate the potential for collective progress toward achieving the SDGs.
