New globally diversified metals and mining company, South32, has been welcomed as a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).

South32 was formed following a decision to separate BHP Billiton into two distinct companies, bringing a proud heritage of responsible social and environmental performance which it acquired prior to the demerger.

Mark Cutifani, Chair of ICMM and Chief Executive of Anglo American, welcomed South32 as a new member and praised its credentials.

“The leadership of the new company has been engaged in the rigorous ICMM admission process since launching plans to demerge,” he said. “The commitment of South32 to the principles of ICMM is anchored in the benefit of adopting many of the systems and processes that it inherits from BHP Billiton to make a strong and broad contribution to society.”

South32 Chief Executive Graham Kerr believes membership in ICMM will deliver long-term benefits for the company and its stakeholders.

“We are delighted to join ICMM, especially at this early stage in the company’s life. South32 is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our people and delivering shared value for society. We aim to be a business that lives by its values – Care, Trust, Togetherness and Excellence,” Mr Kerr said.

“We believe ICMM is an important forum for the engagement and advocacy that is required to build a sustainable future for South32.”

South32 has a portfolio of high quality assets producing alumina, aluminium, bauxite, thermal and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc. The company has operations across five countries with 27,000 employees and contractors worldwide. 

South32 was recommended for membership by an independent expert review panel in a process that closely scrutinizes the capacity of the applicant company to fully adhere to ICMM standards of responsible social and environmental performance in mining and metals operations.

Full details on the admission process are at www.icmm.com/new-member-process 

For more information please contact:
 
ICMM
Kathleen Kawecki
Manager, External Relations
Email: kathleen.kawecki@icmm.com
Phone: +44 20 7467 5086
Mobile: +44 7881 316 724

South32
Jill Thomas
Media Manager
Email: jill.thomas@bhpbilliton.com
Phone: +61 8 6321 0673