The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) was established in 2001 to improve sustainable development performance in the mining and metals industry. Today, it brings together 23 mining and metals companies as well as 35 national and regional mining associations and global commodity associations.

The organization emerged out of a multi-stakeholder research initiative – the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project – which examined the role of mining in a sustainable future. Its findings recognized the industry’s potential contribution, identified core challenges and set out an agenda for change that would form the backbone of ICMM’s mandate.

ICMM now serves as an agent for change and continual improvement on issues relating to mining and sustainable development. Member companies have made a public commitment to improve their sustainability performance and are required to report against their progress on an annual basis.

They engage with a broad range of stakeholders – governments, international organizations, communities and indigenous peoples, civil society and academia – in order to build meaningful relationships. Their vision is one of leading companies working together and with others to strengthen the contribution of mining, minerals and metals to sustainable development.

The mining and metals industry can play a significant role in catalysing social and economic development. They believe that by encouraging closer collaboration among industry leaders we can help alleviate poverty and give people access to a better life.

To do this, ICMM brings together 23 mining and metals companies and 34 national and regional associations giving them a truly global reach. All member companies are represented on their council of CEOs (their highest decision-making body) and on their principle liaisons committee – sitting alongside two nominated representatives from their member associations.

This collaboration is supported by continuous dialogue  with a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, international organisations, representatives of communities and indigenous peoples, civil society, academia and other industrial sectors in the value chains of minerals and metals.