ESG in Mining
The ESG agenda for Brazilian mining represents the path and commitment signed by the sector to make mining increasingly responsible and sustainable. Twelve key pillars were identified for the mineral sector, to be used for periodic discussions, goals, and action plans aimed at continuous improvement and transparency of the sector to society.
The 12 pillars were broken down into Working Groups, composed of professionals from mining companies and the Brazilian Mining Institute; they are:
Our Work
12
PILLARS
29
SECTORAL GOALS
128
PROPOSED ACTIONS
51
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
Brief history
In January 2019, the collapse of the mining tailings dam in Brumadinho (MG) had a global impact on the mining sector. Efforts to improve operational safety since the Mariana (MG) incident in November 2015 were recognized, but a comprehensive vision and greater engagement from the industry as a whole were still lacking.
The Brazilian Mining Institute (IBRAM) has taken on the responsibility of leading this movement, uniting companies and coordinating actions with suppliers, international entities, and governments. Throughout the first half of 2019, strategies were developed and debated, culminating in the drafting of the "IBRAM Commitment Letter to Society".
This letter outlined commitments in 12 key areas, which today represent the 12 working groups responsible for outlining, discussing, and detailing goals and action plans to make mining more sustainable. These areas are: Process Safety; Dams and Tailings Disposal Structures; Occupational Health and Safety; Mitigation of Environmental Impacts; Diversity and Inclusion; Community Relations; Local Development and the Future of Territories; Communication and Reputation; Innovation; Water; and Energy.
In 2021, the consulting firm Falconi was hired to assist in managing the Commitment Letter, reviewing objectives, metrics, and sharing best practices.
The new approach recognizes the Commitment Charter as the ESG Agenda for Mining in Brazil, highlighting its historical role and its potential to guide the sector's future.
Commitment letterTestimonials
Ana Sanches
President of the Board of Directors of IBRAM and Anglo American in Brazil
"The adoption of good ESG practices is a global demand. The involvement of organizations from the most diverse sectors is fundamental for us to be able to act in an increasingly responsible and sustainable way, in accordance with the new demands of society. In this scenario, the mining industry has been working towards a major transformation in its processes, including operational safety, impact mitigation, development of host communities, among other relevant issues."
We understand that this is the right path to create value, a good reputation, and ensure the sustainability of our businesses. Not in isolation, but in partnership, combining forces.”
Raul Jungmann
CEO of IBRAM
March 1, 2022 to January 18, 2026
“IBRAM demonstrates, through its actions on various fronts, its commitment to strengthening the position of mining as a generator of multiple benefits for Brazilian society, the country's economy, and people's quality of life. The Brazilian Mining ESG Agenda is essential for the present and future of companies. Good ESG practices position companies in the decisive role of contributing to a better world. By incorporating ESG into their operations, companies become missionaries and visionaries of a new world. By bringing sustainability to the center of their strategies, they promote respect for nature, the pursuit of peace, social justice, and the reduction of inequalities. This is fundamental for us to live happier lives, to have sustainable companies with a guaranteed place in the future, and to recognize that our work adds value for us and for the world.”