Minerals and Mining have launched a new voluntary code of conduct for explorers outlining good practice engagement requirements supporting exploration and mining companies developing relationships with landowners.
An Australian first, the new Code of Conduct for Explorers provides an assessment framework for companies to review their performance in which transparency is a vital part of the industry demonstrating its performance to stakeholders and their environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials.
The Department for Energy and Mining said the Code provided a practical way for companies to assist in developing good relations with landowners where projects have the potential to impact their land, particularly for junior explorers.
According to the Department, the Code will also help explorers deliver good practice outcomes; Include methods for stakeholder engagement: Guide good-faith agreement-making, Show ways to demonstrate biosecurity risk management; and Follow ways to minimise the impact of exploration activities.
“Explorers using the Code and auditing approach will boost their engagement, transparency and performance, assisting explorers and landowners in developing relationships based on shared information and understanding,” the Department said.
IGO Limited, a company with exploration projects in South Australia, said the Code of Conduct supported best practices and early engagement by mineral explorers in SA.
“IGO’s on-ground experience in SA in future-facing metals working towards a net-zero future has demonstrated that early engagement with stakeholders is essential to the long-term success of our exploration projects,” the company said.
“The development of innovative ways to minimise exploration impacts has also contributed towards our ability to meet the expected environmental outcomes over time,” IGO said.
The Departments 32-page Code of Conduct can be accessed at this PS News link.
