Sustainable Development Pledge

The members of the National Mining Association pledge to conduct their activities in a manner that recognizes the needs of society and the needs for economic prosperity, national security and a healthy environment. Accordingly, we are committed to integrating social, environmental, and economic principles in our mining operations from exploration through development, operation, reclamation, closure and post closure activities, and in operations associated with preparing our products for further use.

From an environmental perspective this involves:

• Recognizing and being responsive to possible environmental impacts of exploration activities;
• Developing approaches to mine planning and development that are responsive to possible environmental impacts through every stage of the mining cycle including closure and post closure activities;
• Planning in advance for the timely reclamation of sites in accordance with site specific criteria and recognizing community priorities, needs and interests as the mine approaches and reaches closure;
• Assisting in addressing legacy issues through existing mechanisms and laws and by working with appropriate government bodies to establish responsible, balanced and cost effective solutions;
• Being a leader in developing, establishing and implementing good environmental practices;
• Promoting the safe use, recycling and disposal of products through an understanding of their life cycles;
• Developing and promoting new technologies that continue to improve efficiencies and environmental performance in our mining and processing operations and in the use of our products;
• Recognizing that the potential for climate change is a special concern of global scope that requires significant attention and a responsible approach cutting across all three of the sustainable development pillars: environmental, social and economic;
• Encouraging climate policies that promote fuel diversity, development of technology and long-term actions to address climate concerns in order to ensure that technological and financial resources are available to support the needs of the future; and,
• Supporting additional research to improve scientific understanding of the existence, causes and effects of climate change and to enhance our understanding of carbon absorbing sinks; advancements in technology to increase efficiencies in electrical generation and capture and sequester carbon dioxide; voluntary programs to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity; and, constructive participation in climate policy formulation on both international and national levels

From a social perspective this involves:

• Being committed to the safety, health, development and well being of our employees;
• Respecting human rights;
• Treating our employees with respect, promoting diversity, and providing competitive compensation programs consistent with performance and industry practice;
• Being a progressive and constructive partner to advance the economic, educational, and social infrastructures of the communities in which we operate;
• Respecting the cultures, customs and values of people wherever we operate, being responsive to - and respecting - community needs and priorities and encouraging and participating in an open and on-going dialogue with constituencies; and,
• Adhering to the highest ethical business practices in all our operations and interacting with communities in a responsible manner.

From an economic perspective, this involves:

• Creating wealth and products that contribute to economic prosperity;
• Helping eliminate poverty and providing economic opportunities;
• Contributing to national, regional and local economic well-being and security through creation of employment opportunities, wage payments, purchase of goods and materials and payment of fair and competitive taxes and usage fees; and,
• Allowing shareholders and investors to earn a fair and equitable return commensurate with the risk they take.

National Mining Association membership includes more than 300 corporations involved in all aspects of the mining industry including coal, uranium, metal and industrial mineral producers, mineral processors, equipment manufacturers, state associations, bulk transporters, engineering firms, consultants, financial institutions and other companies that supply goods and services to the mining industry.