News
Paving the way for sustainable finance in Latin America and the Caribbean
A Common Framework of Sustainable Finance Taxonomies for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) was launched by a group of UN agencies and international organizations to accelerate progress towards unified and strengthened national sustainable finance taxonomies in the region.
World Bank Group International Women’s Day 2023: Accelerating Equality and Empowerment
Gender equality and empowerment remains a priority for the World Bank Group. On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2023, the World Bank Group will celebrate women’s achievements and contributions with a series of events and engagements – we look forward to your participation!
New Roadmap from IFC and Partners Outlines Net-Zero Pathways for Mining Green Tech Metals
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched the Net-Zero Roadmap for Copper and Nickel Mining Value Chains, a new solutions guide aimed at decarbonizing the mining of critical minerals. Read the full news release here.
IFC Investment in Sustainability-Linked Bonds to Support Decarbonization in Poland, Diversify Energy Mix
To support Poland’s decarbonization efforts and reduce its reliance on coal and other thermal energy sources, IFC has invested 435 million zloty ($99 million equivalent) in the 2.67 billion zloty-denominated sustainability-linked bond that was issued by Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. on January 11, 2023.
New World Bank Toolkit To Make Transport and Public Spaces More Gender Inclusive
The World Bank has launched a “Toolkit on Enabling Gender Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces in India” to guide cities on integrating a gender lens in new and existing transport policies and plans and enhancing women’s representation in decision-making in key institutions such as urban local bodies and public transport authorities.
Financing a Just Transition is the latest guidance for business launched by the UN Global Compact
The UN Global Compact has released new guidance for business, Financing a Just Transition. The brief addresses the roles of finance in advancing a just transition. It draws from recent developments to illustrate what is possible, while calling on key financial actors to develop and realize this potential, including financial institutions, the Chief Financial Officers and finance functions of corporations, investors, Chief Investment Officers, Chief Risk Officers and policymakers. Read more…
2023 UN Regional Roundtables on Sustainable Finance
UNEP FI will host its third round of Regional Roundtables on Sustainable Finance in 2023 to provide an opportunity for practitioners in the sustainable finance community to discuss the latest trends and innovations, and share good practice. Building on over two decades of successful Roundtables, these regional events create rich opportunities for networking and raising awareness of sustainable finance work in progress across banking, investment, and insurance.
The G20 publishes World Bank Preliminary Findings Report on Gender Inclusive Approaches in Private Participation in Infrastructure
The Preliminary Findings Report on Gender Inclusive Approaches in Private Participation in Infrastructure aims to close gender related gaps in infrastructure projects and align private sector investment decision making around gender inclusion. The report includes various recommendations for mainstreaming gender in infrastructure investment by providing an understanding of the relationship between infrastructure development and the barriers faced by women compared to men.
All-female African mine carves out sustainable future
An all-female mine is Zimbabwe, makes the mark on two key Sustainable Development Goals – women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability.
From Disclosure to Development (D2D) Sierra Leone Organizes First Mining Community Innovation Challenge Hackathon
In Freetown, Sierra Leone, IFC, BHP Foundation, and local partners hosted a “Mining Community Innovation Challenge” open data hackathon. The challenge attracted 93 youths from various mining communities, 44% of which were female. For three days, 16 teams collaborated supported by experts and mentors to develop new solutions to challenges in mining communities using data and digital tools.
Tapping Sustainable Finance to Tackle Climate Change
Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, is one of the most livable cities in the Mediterranean region, surrounded by beaches and historic sites. The city’s port has been a major hub for regional trade for thousands of years. But like many cities around the world, Izmir faces major sustainability challenges such as water scarcity, regional forest fires, earthquakes and a substantial gender imbalance in the workforce. To help Izmir in its fight against climate change, IFC has signed its first global sustainability-linked loan in the infrastructure space.
IFC and Anglo American Partner to Improve Education and Livelihoods in South Africa
IFC and global mining company Anglo American has signed a sustainability-linked loan agreement which is to be used to support community development in rural communities close to Anglo American’s mining operations across South Africa. This includes improving the quality of education for more than 73,000 students and promote job creation. Click here to read the full news story.
Call for Entries: MMEG 40th Year Photo Competition
First MMEG Photography Competition – Women Build a Better World. Entries must be submitted by September, 15, 2021 at 13h00 GMT
IFC–UN Women survey and upcoming publication – Gender Responsive Company Practices amid COVID
If your organization has implemented innovative solutions to promote gender equality and women’s social and economic inclusion in your workforce, value chain, consumer base, and/or communities of operation during COVID-19, take part in the survey by October 23, 2020.
IFC Series: Pursuing Gender Equality Through Infrastructure and Natural Resources
This series of briefs provide tools for infrastructure and natural resources companies to benefit from gender equality. The briefs highlight key challenges, business cases, and operational entry points to enhance gender equity in power, transport, cities, water and sanitation, and mining projects.
[Blog]: Cities can reopen smarter with IFC’s privacy-protected mobility data analytics
As city governments grapple with how to jumpstart their local economies while preventing a resurgence of COVID-19, there is a critical need for real-time information about what’s happening on the ground. This is even more urgent in developing countries. Fortunately an innovative, data-driven solution, offered by IFC in partnership with analytics firm Habidatum, is providing privacy-protected […]
Global Goal: Unite for Our Future
A campaign, concert & summit calling on citizens to tackle global injustices by using our collective voice to drive change for everyone, everywhere.
Soap Making for Resilience
by World Hope International The project, IFC Advisory Program: COVID-19 Support for Adolescent Girls, is focused on teaching young women in Sierra Leone how to run their own sustainable soap making businesses. This project incorporates a response to COVID-19 with a social venture, protection, WASH, and global health and is the outcome of our desire to […]
Coronavirus: Pop star MP Bobi Wine sings Covid-19 alert for the world
BBC | Ugandan musician and politician Bobi Wine has released a song called Corona Virus Alert to raise awareness about the ways the public can fight against the current pandemic.
[Blog] Honoring Local Culture – A New Way to Sustain Infrastructure
The Results-Based Operation for Local Bridge Construction and Road Asset Management Project (LRAMP) aims to improve connectivity and reduce the cost of travel for ethnic minorities by building bridges in the rural remote areas they call home. Incorporating local ethnic minority cultural elements in the technical design honors the indigenous culture, enhances the ownership of […]
[Blog] From Junk Yard Windmills, to Offshore Wind in Emerging Markets: A Profile of IFC Industry Specialist, Sean Whittaker
A Principal Industry Specialist with IFC’s Climate Business Department who also works closely with the Global Power Group, Whittaker has joined forces with World Bank colleagues to assist emerging market governments assess their offshore wind potential and to develop a pipeline of bankable projects.
Vacancy: Operations Officer in Conakry, Guinea
IFC’s Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory is looking for an Operations Officer in Conakry, Guinea.
[Webinar] Solutions for Women Empowerment: Unlocking Opportunities for Women and Natural Resource Companies
When: 14 November 2019, 10am ET
‘Water and Mining’ Data Hackathon Sparks a Range of Innovations in Mongolia
In Mongolia, IFC, BHP Foundation, and Unread Media hosted a “Water and Mining” Data Hackathon. 12 teams of tech savvy youth competed in developing innovative solutions to use natural resource data sets to address water issues. The winning project, “Miners” designed a water allocation decision-making model and developed an educational game to increase stakeholder knowledge.
[Bog] Exploring Barriers to Data Use in Colombia’s Mining Sector
TAI Weekly | Transparency and Accountability Initiative (TAI) teamed up with IFC’s Disclosure to Development program and Global Integrity to assess gaps and challenges in the publication and use of royalties data in Colombia, and to surface potential solutions to tackle them.
The Promise of Local Governments Reforming Themselves
Forbes Georgia | IFC’s Cities Initiative leads discuss how local governments can leverage private capital and innovation to address infrastructural needs.
ADB, IFC and Ulaanbaatar City Partner to Apply Green Building Standards in Design and Construction of Affordable Homes
The $570.2 million project, which includes grants and some $350 million in private sector investment, will build 10,000 energy-efficient homes in 20 new environmentally friendly districts with good services, green spaces, and access to shops and jobs. Out of 10,000 homes, 1,500 will be social housing, 5,500 will be affordable housing, and the remaining 3,000 […]
[Audio] Women Meet at Pacific Islands Forum to Tackle Domestic Violence
ABC – Australian Broadcasting Corporation | IFC gender expert Shabnam Hameed on why domestic violence is a barrier for women in the Pacific region.
Bank Windhoek and IFC Introduce Complimentary Green Building Software
New Era LIVE | On Thursday, August 15, Bank Windhoek and IFC jointly introduced the free to use EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”) green building certification system for emerging markets to its clients and stakeholders in the construction industry.
Why Investing in Women Matters: Mainstreaming Women’s Economic Empowerment in the World’s Poorest Countries
Council on Foreign Relations’ Voices from the Field features contributions from scholars and practitioners highlighting new research, thinking, and approaches to development challenges. This post is authored by Esther Pan Sloane, Head of Partnerships, Policy, and Communications at the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Mining Indaba 2020
When: February 3-6, 2020
Where: Cape Town
Trust Conference 2019
When: November 13-14, 2019
Where: QEII Centre London
Empowering Communities in Peru
Inter-American Development Bank | In Peru, a program benefited families and empowered indigenous communities, developed 183 projects to improve access to drinking water in five departments.
In Mongolia, IFC Celebrates Achievements in Water Management as Program Transitions to Local Secretariat
In December 2018, IFC’s Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory has successfully completed its Mongolia Multi-Stakeholder Water Management in Mining program. The IFC-convened industry roundtables are transitioning to a local secretariat, Sustainability East Asia, throughout January. The Secretariat will continue to work with the mining sector, government and community representatives on water issues and monitor compliance with the IFC brokered code of practice on responsible water management.
In Their Own Words – Podcast Series
In a new podcast series, IFC clients, partners, and staff reflect together on their experiences on the frontlines of sustainable development—from the rainforest to the boardroom.
Celebrating Outcomes of IFC’s Apurimac Revenue Management & Mining & Agriculture Project
IFC’s Infrastructure & Natural Resources Advisory works in Apurimac, Peru, in partnership with the government of Canada, to ensure that mining revenues benefit the local population and to help small-scale farmers improve their agricultural practices. Read more on the program here and at ifc.org.
Call for Case Studies: World Bank Global Conference on Gender and Oil, Gas and Mining
When: Wednesday, 27 June – Thursday, 28 June 2018
The World Bank Group Global Conference on Gender and Oil, Gas and Mining: New Frontiers of Progress, Challenges and Solutions
Land Tenure and Property Rights Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
When: 8 January – 30 April, 2018
USAID’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Land Tenure and Property Rights will help you further understand and implement best practices for strengthening land rights in your work
International Women in Mining Mentorship Program
Mining Global – The International Women in Resources Mentorship Programme 2018 is aimed to empower and promote the career prospects for 50 women.
ICMM Launches Platform ‘Mining with Principles’
ICMM has launched a new platform for members to mine with principles and focus on the environmental impacts of mining and metals activities and improve benefits to communities.
Story of the Pipeline that Changed Everything for Alaska and Helped Shape the Modern Environmental Movement
Midnight Oil is the story of the pipeline that changed everything for Alaska and helped shape the modern environmental movement. The trans-Alaska pipeline turns 40 this summer. Alaska’s Energy Desk is marking the anniversary with a podcast that explores how Prudhoe Bay was discovered and what followed: the booms and busts, social progress and scandals, engineering marvels and environmental disasters.
IFC’s Peru Apurimac Program Selected as Top Practice by WEF, IDRC, the World Bank Group
IFC’s Peru Apurimac Revenue Management & Benefit Sharing program was selected as a top practice from over 120 entries in the New Vision for Development Initiative competition by the World Economic Forum, with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the World Bank Group.
Mangrove-planting Drones on a Mission to Restore Myanmar Delta
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Fast-dwindling mangroves in Myanmar’s low-lying Ayeyarwady Delta, ravaged by decades of deforestation and conversion of land for agriculture and aquaculture, could find an unlikely saviour – drones.
Vacancy Information: IFC’s Infrastructure & Natural Resources Department
IFC’s Infrastructure & Natural Resources Department is hiring a Senior Operations Officer and an Operations Officer, both based in Washington D.C. Application deadline for both positions is 21 August 2017.
New App Identifies Renewable Energy Sites in Pacific
Finding the best areas to generate solar power in Pacific Island countries is now possible with a new free tool, Global Solar Atlas, facilitated by the World Bank, and launched today, 31 July, at the Pacific Power Association (PPA) Conference in Apia, Samoa.
Mozambique Oil & Gas: ENH and Mozambican Entrepreneurs Formalise Promotion of Local Content
Mozambique Resources Post | The National Hydrocarbons Company (ENH) will cooperate with the Mozambican Chamber of Commerce (CCM) and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (APME) in promoting local content development.
IFC Promotes Inclusive Dialogue for Responsible Mining Development in Guinea
A roundtable on the Responsible Mineral Development Initiative (RMDI) was held February 21-22, organized by the Government of Guinea together with IFC and other development partners, to discuss key issues for stakeholders in the national mining sector. The event was attended by over 300 participants including the President and the Prime Minister of Guinea, and other high-level Government representatives. The RMDI was launched in 2016 and aims to foster understanding about how mining can create value for stakeholders and to inform a national strategic plan for the sector. As co-chair of the RMDI steering committee, IFC managed the implementation of the process on the ground, facilitated discussions between Government, the donor community and other stakeholders; the process raised awareness on best practices related to multi-stakeholder dialogue and benefit sharing in the mining sector. IFC also facilitated communication around the process at the national and community levels.
Peru: IFC and the Government of Canada Support Eight Municipalities from the Apurimac Region to Embrace Good Governance in Mining
Under the theme “Apurimac towards the bicentennial,” mayors from the district municipalities of Coyllurqui, Cotabambas, Mara, Challhuahuacho and the province of Grau, as well as municipal managers from the Mara district and the provinces of Aymaraes and Abancay, convened in Lima with representatives from IFC and the Government of Canada, both project sponsors, to discuss progress of the Apurimac Revenue Management project and to share concerns over facing opportunities and challenges due to mining activities in the region. Representatives from the Peruvian Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Prime Minister also participated in the meeting.
ICMM Announces New Commitments on Water Stewardship
The International Council on Mining and Metals’ (ICMM) member companies pledge action for responsible use of water with the launch of ICMM’s water stewardship position statement.
Leading Mining Companies Adopt New Measures to Manage Tailings Dams
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) announced a new agreement that will bind its 23 member companies to further improve the management of mine tailings1 throughout their global operations.
Mining Women Empowerment Programme Launched
Going for Gold, a women empowerment programme that aims at working towards women living in and around artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mines in Ghana and Tanzania, has been launched in Accra.
Renewable Energy & Human Rights
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre reached out to 50 companies involved in renewable energy projects with a set of 10 questions on their approach to human rights, with a focus on community engagement.
IPECA Launches New Website
IPECA, the global association for environmental and social issues related to oil and gas, has launched its new website, offering information for industry practitioners.
Forced by Tradition to Give Up Inheritance, Indian Women Embrace Property Ownership
The custom of “haq tyag”, or sacrifice of right, entails a person – usually a woman – relinquishing their claim on ancestral property. It is widely practised in the Indian state of Rajasthan despite a 2005 national law that gave women equal inheritance rights.
Mining Sector Seeks Win-Win Solutions for Sustainable Development
Representatives from 55 governments, mining companies, industry associations and the civil society will meet at the annual general meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) in Geneva, Switzerland.
11th Columbia International Investment Conference: Climate Change & Sustainable Investment in Natural Resources: From Consensus to Action
When: November 2-3, 2016
Where: Columbia University, New York, USA
More information about the Columbia International Investment Conference
The World’s Biggest Mining Company Wants Half Its Workforce to Be Women
The world’s largest miner, BHP Billiton, is determined to bridge the gender gap in the mining industry. On Thursday, the company announced a new initiative to diversify an industry that has historically been male-dominated, Bloomberg reports.
Argentina adopts Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining Initiative
The national mining association of Argentina (CAEM) says it will adopt the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative developed by the Mining Association of Canada.
Dakar’s Threatened ‘Green Lung’ gets Reforestation Boost
In Africa’s Sahel, planting and protecting trees is crucial to maintaining rainfall patterns, providing cool places for people in a hot environment and helping curb climate change.
As Prices Plunge, Africa Surges into Clean, Cheap Solar Energy
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), home solar systems in Africa can now provide electricity for many households for as little as $56 a year – a cost lower than getting energy from diesel or kerosene.
Protecting Indigenous Land Rights Makes Good Economic Sense
The World Resources Institute’s new report, “Climate Benefits, Tenure Costs: The Economic Case for Securing Indigenous Land Rights in the Amazon”, examines the value of lands legally held by Indigenous Peoples in Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia.
UN to Assist Kenya to Achieve Gender Parity in the Mining Sector
The UN will work together with other partners to ensure that Kenya achieves gender parity in the mining sector, officials said on Wednesday.
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Launches Platform on Community Action
Visit the new action platform to support work on business and human rights, offering information, tools and case studies on community actions.
Global Land Rush Enters “More Dangerous Stage”, Says Anti-poverty Group
More than 1,500 large-scale land deals have been signed in the last 16 years, Oxfam said, with many covering areas populated by communities who don’t have formal title deeds to the territory.
Protecting Mangroves, Kenya’s Fishermen Net Cash – and More Fish
For fishing communities on Kenya’s southern coast, felling mangrove trees to make boats has long been a part of life. But traditional attitudes toward the mangroves are shifting, as communities become aware of a new benefit from keeping the trees standing: cash payments for carbon storage.
Empowering Women is ‘Critical’ in the Mining Industry
Chamber of Mines South Africa president Mike Teke says the empowerment of women is critical to help the mining industry deliver on its transformation objectives.
Peru to Work with Companies on Environmental Efforts – Minister
Several global miners operate in Peru, where conflicts over water and pollution often erupt in far-flung villages.
Agriculture Investment Yields Growth and Nutrition Gains for Africa
African countries that took early action in the past decade to invest in agriculture have reaped the rewards, enjoying higher economic growth and a bigger drop in malnutrition, a major farming development organisation said on Tuesday.
Kenya Gives More Power to Mining Communities
Kenya has drafted 14 mining regulations to strengthen the government’s capacity to manage exploration and extraction of minerals. The proposed Minerals and Mining Policy recently approved by the Cabinet, is anchored in the Mining Act, 2016, which came into effect on May 27.
Mexico: Over 60 Cases of Alleged Corporate Abuse Documented in Advance of UN Working Group Visit
More than 100 NGOs and social movements in Mexico have documented cases of alleged corporate abuse in different sectors: mining, energy, oil & gas, agribusiness, and construction, among others. The report, compiling 68 cases, was presented in the context of the official visit of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights to Mexico.
Central American Farmers Save Together to Cope With Climate Change
Introduced by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, a savings scheme has been adopted by 50 farmers associations in Honduras and Guatemala. In each scheme, farmers provide 40 percent of the money, the FAO provides 40 percent, and sales of textiles and other community projects generate the rest.
A Proactive & Progressive Approach to Support Workforce Development in British Columbia
When Gastech News asked Manley McLachlan, President of the British Columbia Construction Association, about concrete job opportunities in British Columbia, he says: “There are about 4,000-6,000 people required on BC’s job sites.
Agriculture Needs a Makeover to Lure Young People Back to Farming
Around the world, farmers are an ageing demographic as the sector fails to attract younger talent who are heading instead to cities in search of work. Smallholder farmers produce more than 70 percent of the world’s food and to make sure there are enough of them to feed the growing global population, farming needs a makeover to attract young people, experts say.
Undermining China: Towns Sink After Mines Close
Mines that burrowed under villages and towns during China’s three-decade coal boom have left the authorities with the need to evacuate hundreds of communities in danger of sinking.
Recovering Ancestral Farming Techniques to Combat Climate Change and Empower Indigenous Women in Peru
To combat the impact of climate change, the indigenous women of Laramate in Peru have turned to ancestral farming techniques with support from UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality. In addition to healthier crops and improved incomes for the community, the programme has boosted indigenous women’s participation in public spaces and decision-making.
Role of Women in Artisanal Mining & Peacebuilding
Southern Voices Network Scholar, Maame Esi Eshun says that focusing on the role of women and improving conditions for those involved in artisanal mining in Africa can provide a major boost to regional peacebuilding efforts. Her findings and call to action provide the focus for this edition of Wilson Center NOW.
Why Are Women Left Out of Land Decisions, Despite Gender Equity Laws?
On a hot morning in July 2015, members of the Dulangan Manobo indigenous tribe in the southern Philippines gathered at their community hall for a very important meeting. Many walked great distances to attend, knowing that the outcome would affect whether logging operations would continue on their tribe’s ancestral lands. The meeting was part of the government’s process of securing the tribe’s “free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)” to use their land, which is mandated under Philippine law.
Beauty Companies and the Struggle to Source Child Labour-free Mica
Nearly a decade after child labour in mica mining came to light, the cosmetic industry’s progress on cleaning up its supply chain for the glittery mineral has been slow and tricky.
Tanzania’s Women Farmers Confront Customs and Complex Laws to Access Land
In a remote village on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, every woman has a story to tell about how discrimination in the allocation of land has pushed her to the brink of survival.
New Report: Mining Sector Can Help Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
Large-scale mining has the potential to play a critical role in helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in resource-rich countries, according to a new report published today on the occasion of the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York.
The UN Global Compact-Accenture Strategy CEO Study 2016
The UN Global Compact-Accenture Strategy CEO Study represents more than a decade of research on sustainable business. Published every three years, it is the largest study of CEO attitudes to sustainability globally. The Study traces the development of corporate motivations in engaging with environmental, social and governance issues in core business.
IFC and Canada Help Ensure Benefits from Big Projects are Shared
With support from the Government of Canada and industry partners, IFC has provided thousands of people with training and provided support to dozens of communities to ensure that large-footprint development projects benefit those who live and operate businesses near them.
Zimbabwe: Plight of Female Artisanal Miners
Traditionally mining is an adult male domain, but economic hardship and declining agricultural production have forced women and children into this sector, especially in gold mining. Each day, the majority of women in mining areas endowed with gold deposits trudge along the trenches to dig and collect whatever they can lay their hands on.
Revised draft standard for responsible mining released for 60-day review
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance released the second and revised draft Standard for Responsible Mining for a sixty-day review and public comment period, ahead of the first-ever global certification programme for industrial-scale mine sites, planned to begin in late 2016.
Adopt Sustainable Mining Practices: Pranab Mukherjee, President of India
The exploitation of natural resources should be undertaken keeping in mind the threat of natural and manmade disasters, the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, said as he underlined that mankind’s sustenance depends on the adoption of environmentally sustainable mining practices.
ICMM Annual Review 2015 – A Global Approach to Collaboration
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released its 2015 Annual Review: A global approach to collaboration, outlining industry leading work on water management, climate change, engagement with Indigenous Peoples and responsible sourcing.
Solid Minerals Roadmap Will Grow Industry, says Nigerian Minister
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Thursday, said a road map for the ministry would provide far-reaching views and opinions toward developing and growing the industry and the Nigerian economy.
Mining and Metals Sector Largest Contributor to Corporate Social Investment and Development Expenditure in South Africa
Citing data from the Integrated Reporting and Assurance Services’ Sustainability Data Transparency Index, Eunomix said the mining and metals sector is the largest contributor to corporate social investment and development expenditure in South Africa.
Anglo American Continues to Deliver on its Sustainability Goals Despite the Commodity Crisis
For the third consecutive year, the company exceeded its 2020 water savings target of 14%, achieving an estimated 16% water saving against projected water usage. Anglo American made this announcement on the release of its 15th annual Sustainability Report alongside its 2015 Annual Report, entitled “Driving Change, Defining Our Future”. Read the full article here.
Mongolian Companies First to Adopt IFC’s Water Use Code
Eight major mining companies in the South Gobi Region signed on 4 February a Voluntary Code of Practice (VCP) on water management, prepared over 18 months by IFC. Arjun Bhalla, Senior Operations Officer, Infrastructure & Natural Resource Department, IFC, explains to B. Tugsbilegt of MMJ why this is a significant step in meeting the challenge of efficient use of water and how it is meant to improve and optimise water management in the region.
International Labor Organization Awarded $5M to Reduce Child Labor and Improve Working Conditions in Small-scale and Artisanal Gold Mining
The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs has awarded the International Labor Organization $5 million to implement a 40-month project to reduce child labor and address hazardous working conditions in artisanal and small-scale mining. Read the full news release here.
Putting a Dollar Value on Natural Resources is Key to Good Policymaking
Economists found a way to measure the real value over time of natural capital, such as groundwater and forests. It could show governments how to weigh costs and benefits when investing in natural assets. Read the full article on Newsweek here.
IFC Promotes Responsible Water Management in Mongolia’s Mining Sector
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, successfully brokered a new voluntary code of practice (VCP) for common water management and reporting for the mining industry in the South Gobi region. This collective effort will safeguard water resources and promote the efficient and transparent use of water. The VCP is a critical step towards building trust among local stakeholders, including government authorities, local communities, civil society organizations, and the media. Read the full press release here.
Sustainable Development Goals: how does hydropower fit in?
With the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including a dedicated goal to provide universal access to modern energy services, hydropower has an important role to play in the post-2015 development agenda. Here, Tracy Lane, hydropower development director at IHA, explores the implications of the SDGs for the hydropower sector and international community.
SMI to host public consultation on how mining can contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute has been invited to facilitate the consultation process in the Australia and Asia Pacific Region (or whatever region you want cover) for the recently released “Mapping Mining to the SDGs: A Preliminary Atlas”.
Report: Navigating the New Normal – China and Global Resource Governance
The report is the result of two years of joint research between Chatham House and the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), including six expert workshops in China and conversations with international organizations.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution Will be Driven by Renewable Energy, Say Leaders at Davos
Far from being a romantic dream, renewables are central to meeting the energy demands that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will bring. Read the full article on the World Economic Forum Website here.
Industry-Led Sustainability Initiative Changes To Multi-Stakeholder Organization
The Roundtable for Product Social Metrics, started three years ago, is now moving forward as a multi-stakeholder organisation. With this step, the Roundtable is opening its doors to new participants, inviting interested companies, industry associations, NGOs and researchers to join the collaboration. The main goals are to refine the concept of product social impact assessment and further its adoption in industry.
Can LNG projects remain a magnet for global funding?
The world’s largest project finance deals have been transacted for liquefaction schemes. When comparing LNG project finance to other sectors such as power, petrochemicals and infrastructure it is evident that LNG has continued to compete successfully for global funds. Read the full article on GastechNews here.
Creating a System to Standardize Reporting on Mining Local Procurement
Mining Shared Value, a venture of Engineers Without Borders Canada (EWB), partnering with GIZ to support the creation of a measurement and reporting standard for local procurement in the mining industry. View the full article on GOXI here.
IFC Featured in Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by WIM (UK)
View the full report here.
Simandou South supports increased Guinean participation through its Local Content Policy
The Government of Guinea and Simandou South Project Partners – including IFC – signed on 27 November the project’s Local Content Policy at an event held at the Ministry of Mines and Geology. This policy outlines a roadmap to enabling greater local participation in the development of this major mining and infrastructure project.
Enhancing Transparency of Local Level Agreements in the Mongolian Mining Industry
Mongolia is one of several developing countries in the world where project proponents are legally required to establish agreements with host communities or local government authorities. Read the full blog post on GOXI.
World Bank 2015 Extractive Industries Review
Read current and past World Bank Extractive Industries Reviews on the IFC’s Oil, Gas & Mining page.
Multi-Million-Dollar State Losses as 31 Extractive Industry Companies Fail to File Revenue
Thirty-one of 282 companies in the extractive industries failed to file their royalties and sales revenue, thereby causing millions of dollars in state losses, government figures show.
Togo: Mining Sector – Support From the World Bank
The World Bank approved on Thursday a US $15 million International Development Association credit to help the Government of the Republic of Togo strengthen its capacity to manage the mineral resources in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner.
Palm Oil Sustainability Body Takes Next Step
WWF has welcomed a move by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to launch RSPO Next, a voluntary add-on to the RSPO standard that provides a platform for innovative growers to demonstrate best practice in sustainable palm oil and help buyers deliver on their “no deforestation” commitments.
Public Consultation on the Draft Chinese Due Diligence Guidelines for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains
Deadline for comment: 7 November 2015
ICMM Issues Statement on Climate Change
Tom Butler, CEO of ICMM, today wrote to Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to offer support for an international climate change agreement. The letter included the following statement on climate change, endorsed by the CEOs of the 23 ICMM member companies which collaborate to promote responsible mining.
ICMM CEO Shares Insights into Resettlement
ICMM CEO Tom Butler shares insights into resettlement with Oxfam’s Chris Madden. The intrerview featured at Oxfam’s Sustainable Mining Symposium in Melbourne on 13 October 2015 and includes insights from Jon on Samuel, Group Head of Government and Social Affairs at Anglo American. View the video on YouTube.
IFC in Peru: Working with Clients and Communities for Benefit Sharing
How, and how actively, has IFC been engaged in the natural resources sector? Many poor countries depend on natural resource development to fuel social and economic investments. As such IFC promotes tangible benefit-sharing across all stakeholders groups. Read the full story here.
Gas discoveries spark dreams of making Tanzania new hot spot
Will recent natural gas discoveries help Tanzania become an economic powerhouse? The answer to this question isn’t quite simple. The gas and oil wealth will require a commitment from all the country’s stakeholders.
Growing momentum in the DRC
The EITI process is proving to be magnet for information gathering and heated discussion about the management of the oil, gas and mining sectors in the DR Congo. With an improved process, comes increased expectations.
Newmont Ranked Mining Industry Leader by Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
Newmont Mining Corporation (NYSE: NEM) was ranked by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) as the mining industry’s leader in overall sustainability, marking the ninth consecutive year the company has been included on the index.
Judge orders SEC to expedite resource extraction rule
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to fast-track a final rule requiring oil, gas and mining companies to disclose payments to foreign governments, after a human rights group complained the regulator was dragging its feet.
The Impact of Falling Oil Prices on Gas Consumption in Asia
Delphi Sun, VP and Head of LNG Trading at talks about LNG trading and the impact of falling oil prices on trading dynamics in Asia.
All women team to repair Cape Town’s roads
Transport for Cape Town (TCT), is celebrating Women’s Month by introducing its first all-female roads repair team, based at the Ndabeni Roads Depot.
Exploring the Community’s Right-to-Know
The Center for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) has released a report called Exploring the Community’s Right-to-Know which presents the findings of a brief field engagement with the Ramu Nickel project operating on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in Madang Province with majority ownership by a Chinese firm.
Myanmar EITI
Myanmar’s EITI process and the role of companies: CSO leader says ‘government must have political will’
Draft Guidance for Governments on Managing Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM)
The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development launched the online public consultation process on the draft Guidance for Governments on Managing Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM), at the 9th ICGLR-OECD-UN GoE Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, in Paris, France.
Africa Strategic Infrastructure Initiative: A Principled Approach to Infrastructure Project Preparation Facilities
The World Economic Forum has released a report called “Africa Strategic Infrastructure Initiative: A Principled Approach to Infrastructure Project Preparation Facilities” which discusses amendments to project financing in Africa, from concept to operation.
