ICMM Partners with Action Sustainability to Improve Sustainable Procurement Policies

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) acts as an agent for change and continual improvement on issues relating to mining and sustainable development, with a membership of over 50 organisations including some of the largest and most influential players in the industry.

We were asked to provide a comprehensive baseline analysis of the sustainable procurement policies and processes of the membership across the World, producing practical recommendations to enable members to take the sustainable procurement agenda forward.

We conducted a thorough desktop review before holding telephone interviews across five continents with the organisations involved, providing our recommendations in a detailed report presented in person to members at a meeting in London.

• Developed the first ever substantive analysis of commitment and practice in socially and environmentally sustainable procurement/responsible sourcing in this sector
• Produced 13 clear recommendations for ICMM and its members to use in improving and developing their approach, focusing on policy, culture, practice and communications
• Raised awareness of the opportunities and potential for improved risk management to be gained from a structured approach to sustainable procurement
• Identified a number of potential case studies for internal or external use, demonstrating how a positive approach can assist the sector in protecting and enhancing their social licence to operate worldwide and status as partner of choice in the locations in which they do business
• Provided a strong basis for members to understand requirements for adopting the forthcoming ISO standard for sustainable procurement ISO 20400.