Approach and policies
Our approach
Anglo American aims to be the leading global mining company – the investment, the partner and the employer of choice – through the operational excellence of world class assets in the most attractive commodities and a resolute commitment to the highest standards of safe and sustainable mining.
Operating our businesses in a socially and environmentally responsible way, and earning and deserving trust, are fundamental to our license to operate and to delivering long term value to our investors.
The future of mining is not just about providing the growing volumes of commodities that the world needs. It’s about doing this in a cleaner more energy efficient and environmentally responsible way. It’s also about doing this in a way that benefits the communities in which we operate so they have a sustainable future once the mine gate is finally closed.
Integrated sustainable development
Safety and sustainable development issues are recognised as key value drivers within our company. We have structured our organisation in such a way that enables us to perform effectively while operating safely and responsibly. Safety, sustainability and responsibility are embedded in everything we do, such as the design and evaluation of projects, mine planning and decommissioning, and ways in which we raise financial capital to fund our projects.
Embedding standards
To integrate sustainable development in to our business, we have developed a series of standards called the 'Anglo American Way' documents. These standards ensure we take a consistent approach to managing issues related to health, safety, the environment and social development across the Group.
In 2009, we launched the Occupational Health Way and the Safety Way, which together with the Environment Way and the Social Way, complete the suite of four documents.
Each of these documents outlines our vision, principles, policies, frameworks and management system requirements as they relate to their respective focus areas. Principles underlying all four documents include zero harm, no repeats and simple, non-negotiable standards. Where appropriate, and particularly with regard to health and community development, the Anglo American Way documents also require our operations to make lasting, positive contributions beyond the workplace.
We also enhanced our Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox (SEAT) in 2009. This process enables us to better understand the concerns, priorities and needs of local people. It is based on comprehensive local stakeholder engagement, assesses direct and indirect Group impacts, and helps us find ways to help to support improved local development outcomes. SEAT is in place at all our operations.
Governance
Overseeing all sustainable development (SD) initiatives is the Safety and Sustainable Development (S&SD) Committee of the Anglo American Board. This group meets quarterly to review and influence the overall performance of the company as it relates to SD, and includes Chairman Sir John Parker and chief executive Cynthia Carroll. The Board is supported by sustainable development executive and management committees that are responsible for setting and executing policy.