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Thursday, 22nd June 2006 (2030 views)

The International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) has welcomed a new member – the diversified mining group Xstrata.

Xstrata, which has gold and silver interests, has agreed to comply with the ICMM's Sustainable Development Framework and the move signifies an increasing willingness among mining industry players to become more transparent in their social dealings.

"Xstrata is committed to the highest standards of health, safety and environment performance, community co-operation and to the principles of sustainable development," said company chief executive Mick Davis.

The Swiss firm has around 24,000 employees around the globe and has promised not to lay off any workers for three years following the possible takeover of Canadian miner Falconbridge.

The ICCM's secretary general, Paul Mitchell, welcomed Xstrata on board, saying: "The council's decision to accept its application reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable development."

The ICCM aims to maintain good standards in the mining and metals industry, offering "strategic industry leadership towards achieving continuous improvements in sustainable development performance".

 

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